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I want to express my deep thanks to editors Barbara Mowat and Paul Werstine for creating these indispensable editions of Shakespeare’s works, which incorporate the best of textual scholarship with a richness of commentary that is both inspired and engaging. Readers who want to know more about Shakespeare and his plays can follow the paths these distinguished scholars have tread by visiting the Folger either in-person or online, where a range of physical and digital resources exists to supplement the material in these texts. I commend to you these words, and hope that they inspire.

Michael Witmore
Director, Folger Shakespeare Library

Textual Introduction
By Barbara Mowat and Paul Werstine

Until now, with the release of the Folger Digital Texts, readers in search of a free online text of Shakespeare’s plays had to be content primarily with using the Moby™ Text, which reproduces a late-nineteenth century version of the plays. What is the difference? Many ordinary readers assume that there is a single text for the plays: what Shakespeare wrote. But Shakespeare’s plays were not published the way modern novels or plays are published today: as a single, authoritative text. In some cases, the plays have come down to us in multiple published versions, represented by various Quartos (Qq) and by the great collection put together by his colleagues in 1623, called the First Folio (F). There are, for example, three very different versions of Hamlet, two of King Lear, Henry V, Romeo and Juliet, and others. Editors choose which version to use as their base text, and then amend that text with words, lines or speech prefixes from the other versions that, in their judgment, make for a better or more accurate text.

Other editorial decisions involve choices about whether an unfamiliar word could be understood in light of other writings of the period or whether it should be changed; decisions about words that made it into Shakespeare’s text by accident through four hundred years of printings and misprinting; and even decisions based on cultural preference and taste. When the Moby™ Text was created, for example, it was deemed “improper” and “indecent” for Miranda to chastise Caliban for having attempted to rape her. (See The Tempest, 1.2: “Abhorred slave,/Which any print of goodness wilt not take,/Being capable of all ill! I pitied thee…”). All Shakespeare editors at the time took the speech away from her and gave it to her father, Prospero.

The editors of the Moby™ Shakespeare produced their text long before scholars fully understood the proper grounds on which to make the thousands of decisions that Shakespeare editors face. The Folger Library Shakespeare Editions, on which the Folger Digital Texts depend, make this editorial process as nearly transparent as is possible, in contrast to older texts, like the Moby™, which hide editorial interventions. The reader of the Folger Shakespeare knows where the text has been altered because editorial interventions are signaled by square brackets (for example, from Othello: “If she in chains of magic were not bound,”), half-square brackets (for example, from Henry V: “With blood and sword and fire to win your right,”), or angle brackets (for example, from Hamlet: “O farewell, honest soldier. Who hath relieved/you?”). At any point in the text, you can hover your cursor over a bracket for more information.

Because the Folger Digital Texts are edited in accord with twenty-first century knowledge about Shakespeare’s texts, the Folger here provides them to readers, scholars, teachers, actors, directors, and students, free of charge, confident of their quality as texts of the plays and pleased to be able to make this contribution to the study and enjoyment of Shakespeare.

Synopsis

The events in King John take place in the thirteenth century, well before Shakespeare’s other English history plays. After the death of John’s brother, Richard I, John rules England.

John’s young nephew, Arthur, has a claim to the throne and is supported by the French. At first, a proposed marriage between the French crown prince and John’s niece, Blanche, calms Anglo-French tensions. Then the pope, in a dispute over recognizing an archbishop, excommunicates John and backs Arthur’s claim.

After war erupts, John captures Arthur and orders his death. Arthur’s guardian, Hubert, prepares to burn out Arthur’s eyes, but then spares him. Arthur dies leaping from the prison wall. Arthur’s mother Constance grieves inconsolably.

Meanwhile, French forces reach England. John submits to the pope to gain his aid. Rebellious English nobles join the French, but return to John when they learn the French prince plans to kill them. English forces under the bastard son of Richard I expel the French, but a monk poisons King John, whose son becomes Henry III.

Characters in the Play

John, King of England, with dominion over assortedContinental territories

Enter King John, Queen Eleanor, Pembroke, Essex, andSalisbury, with the Chatillion of France.

KING JOHNFTLN 0001Now say, Chatillion, what would France with us?CHATILLIONFTLN 0002Thus, after greeting, speaks the King of FranceFTLN 0003In my behavior to the majesty,FTLN 0004The borrowed majesty, of England here.QUEEN ELEANORFTLN 00055A strange beginning: “borrowed majesty”!KING JOHNFTLN 0006Silence, good mother. Hear the embassy.CHATILLIONFTLN 0007Philip of France, in right and true behalfFTLN 0008Of thy deceasèd brother Geoffrey’s son,FTLN 0009Arthur Plantagenet, lays most lawful claimFTLN 001010To this fair island and the territories,FTLN 0011To Ireland, Poitiers, Anjou, Touraine, Maine,FTLN 0012Desiring thee to lay aside the swordFTLN 0013Which sways usurpingly these several titles,FTLN 0014And put the same into young Arthur’s hand,FTLN 001515Thy nephew and right royal sovereign.KING JOHNFTLN 0016What follows if we disallow of this?

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CHATILLIONFTLN 0017The proud control of fierce and bloody war,FTLN 0018To enforce these rights so forcibly withheld.KING JOHNFTLN 0019Here have we war for war and blood for blood,FTLN 002020Controlment for controlment: so answer France.CHATILLIONFTLN 0021Then take my king’s defiance from my mouth,FTLN 0022The farthest limit of my embassy.KING JOHNFTLN 0023Bear mine to him, and so depart in peace.FTLN 0024Be thou as lightning in the eyes of France,FTLN 002525For ere thou canst report, I will be there;FTLN 0026The thunder of my cannon shall be heard.FTLN 0027So, hence. Be thou the trumpet of our wrathFTLN 0028And sullen presage of your own decay.—FTLN 0029An honorable conduct let him have.FTLN 003030Pembroke, look to ’t.—Farewell, Chatillion.Chatillion and Pembroke exit.QUEEN ELEANOR, aside to King JohnFTLN 0031What now, my son! Have I not ever saidFTLN 0032How that ambitious Constance would not ceaseFTLN 0033Till she had kindled France and all the worldFTLN 0034Upon the right and party of her son?FTLN 003535This might have been prevented and made wholeFTLN 0036With very easy arguments of love,FTLN 0037Which now the manage of two kingdoms mustFTLN 0038With fearful bloody issue arbitrate.KING JOHN, aside to Queen EleanorFTLN 0039Our strong possession and our right for us.QUEEN ELEANOR, aside to King JohnFTLN 004040Your strong possession much more than your right,FTLN 0041Or else it must go wrong with you and me—FTLN 0042So much my conscience whispers in your ear,FTLN 0043Which none but God and you and I shall hear.

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Enter a Sheriff,who speaks aside to Essex.

ESSEXFTLN 0044My liege, here is the strangest controversyFTLN 004545Come from the country to be judged by youFTLN 0046That e’er I heard. Shall I produce the men?KING JOHNFTLN 0047Let them approach.Sheriff exits.FTLN 0048Our abbeys and our priories shall payFTLN 0049This expedition’s charge.

Enter Robert Faulconbridge and Philip Faulconbridge.

FTLN 005050What men are you?PHILIP FAULCONBRIDGEFTLN 0051Your faithful subject I, a gentleman,FTLN 0052Born in Northamptonshire, and eldest son,FTLN 0053As I suppose, to Robert Faulconbridge,FTLN 0054A soldier, by the honor-giving handFTLN 005555Of Coeur de Lion knighted in the field.KING JOHN, to Robert FaulconbridgeFTLN 0056What art thou?ROBERT FAULCONBRIDGEFTLN 0057The son and heir to that same Faulconbridge.KING JOHNFTLN 0058Is that the elder, and art thou the heir?FTLN 0059You came not of one mother then, it seems.PHILIP FAULCONBRIDGEFTLN 006060Most certain of one mother, mighty king—FTLN 0061That is well known—and, as I think, one father.FTLN 0062But for the certain knowledge of that truthFTLN 0063I put you o’er to heaven and to my mother.FTLN 0064Of that I doubt, as all men’s children may.QUEEN ELEANORFTLN 006565Out on thee, rude man! Thou dost shame thyFTLN 0066motherFTLN 0067And wound her honor with this diffidence.PHILIP FAULCONBRIDGEFTLN 0068I, madam? No, I have no reason for it.FTLN 0069That is my brother’s plea, and none of mine,

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FTLN 007070The which if he can prove, he pops me outFTLN 0071At least from fair five hundred pound a year.FTLN 0072Heaven guard my mother’s honor and my land!KING JOHNFTLN 0073A good blunt fellow.—Why, being younger born,FTLN 0074Doth he lay claim to thine inheritance?PHILIP FAULCONBRIDGEFTLN 007575I know not why, except to get the land.FTLN 0076But once he slandered me with bastardy.FTLN 0077But whe’er I be as true begot or no,FTLN 0078That still I lay upon my mother’s head.FTLN 0079But that I am as well begot, my liege—FTLN 008080Fair fall the bones that took the pains for me!—FTLN 0081Compare our faces and be judge yourself.FTLN 0082If old Sir Robert did beget us bothFTLN 0083And were our father, and this son like him,FTLN 0084O, old Sir Robert, father, on my kneeFTLN 008585I give heaven thanks I was not like to thee!KING JOHNFTLN 0086Why, what a madcap hath heaven lent us here!QUEEN ELEANOR, aside to King JohnFTLN 0087He hath a trick of Coeur de Lion’s face;FTLN 0088The accent of his tongue affecteth him.FTLN 0089Do you not read some tokens of my sonFTLN 009090In the large composition of this man?KING JOHN, aside to Queen EleanorFTLN 0091Mine eye hath well examinèd his partsFTLN 0092And finds them perfect Richard.To RobertFaulconbridgeFTLN 0093Sirrah, speak.FTLN 0094What doth move you to claim your brother’s land?PHILIP FAULCONBRIDGEFTLN 009595Because he hath a half-face, like my father.FTLN 0096With half that face would he have all my land—FTLN 0097A half-faced groat five hundred pound a year!ROBERT FAULCONBRIDGEFTLN 0098My gracious liege, when that my father lived,FTLN 0099Your brother did employ my father much—

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PHILIP FAULCONBRIDGEFTLN 0100100Well, sir, by this you cannot get my land.FTLN 0101Your tale must be how he employed my mother.ROBERT FAULCONBRIDGEFTLN 0102And once dispatched him in an embassyFTLN 0103To Germany, there with the EmperorFTLN 0104To treat of high affairs touching that time.FTLN 0105105Th’ advantage of his absence took the KingFTLN 0106And in the meantime sojourned at my father’s;FTLN 0107Where how he did prevail I shame to speak.FTLN 0108But truth is truth: large lengths of seas and shoresFTLN 0109Between my father and my mother lay,FTLN 0110110As I have heard my father speak himself,FTLN 0111When this same lusty gentleman was got.FTLN 0112Upon his deathbed he by will bequeathedFTLN 0113His lands to me, and took it on his deathFTLN 0114That this my mother’s son was none of his;FTLN 0115115An if he were, he came into the worldFTLN 0116Full fourteen weeks before the course of time.FTLN 0117Then, good my liege, let me have what is mine,FTLN 0118My father’s land, as was my father’s will.KING JOHNFTLN 0119Sirrah, your brother is legitimate.FTLN 0120120Your father’s wife did after wedlock bear him,FTLN 0121An if she did play false, the fault was hers,FTLN 0122Which fault lies on the hazards of all husbandsFTLN 0123That marry wives. Tell me, how if my brother,FTLN 0124Who as you say took pains to get this son,FTLN 0125125Had of your father claimed this son for his?FTLN 0126In sooth, good friend, your father might have keptFTLN 0127This calf, bred from his cow, from all the world;FTLN 0128In sooth he might. Then if he were my brother’s,FTLN 0129My brother might not claim him, nor your father,FTLN 0130130Being none of his, refuse him. This concludes:FTLN 0131My mother’s son did get your father’s heir;FTLN 0132Your father’s heir must have your father’s land.

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ROBERT FAULCONBRIDGEFTLN 0133Shall then my father’s will be of no forceFTLN 0134To dispossess that child which is not his?PHILIP FAULCONBRIDGEFTLN 0135135Of no more force to dispossess me, sir,FTLN 0136Than was his will to get me, as I think.QUEEN ELEANORFTLN 0137Whether hadst thou rather: be a FaulconbridgeFTLN 0138And, like thy brother, to enjoy thy land,FTLN 0139Or the reputed son of Coeur de Lion,FTLN 0140140Lord of thy presence, and no land besides?BASTARDFTLN 0141Madam, an if my brother had my shapeFTLN 0142And I had his, Sir Robert’s his like him,FTLN 0143And if my legs were two such riding-rods,FTLN 0144My arms such eel-skins stuffed, my face so thinFTLN 0145145That in mine ear I durst not stick a rose,FTLN 0146Lest men should say “Look where three-farthingsFTLN 0147goes,”FTLN 0148And, to his shape, were heir to all this land,FTLN 0149Would I might never stir from off this place,FTLN 0150150I would give it every foot to have this face.FTLN 0151I would not be Sir Nob in any case.QUEEN ELEANORFTLN 0152I like thee well. Wilt thou forsake thy fortune,FTLN 0153Bequeath thy land to him, and follow me?FTLN 0154I am a soldier and now bound to France.BASTARDFTLN 0155155Brother, take you my land. I’ll take my chance.FTLN 0156Your face hath got five hundred pound a year,FTLN 0157Yet sell your face for five pence and ’tis dear.—FTLN 0158Madam, I’ll follow you unto the death.QUEEN ELEANORFTLN 0159Nay, I would have you go before me thither.BASTARDFTLN 0160160Our country manners give our betters way.

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KING JOHNFTLN 0161What is thy name?BASTARDFTLN 0162Philip, my liege, so is my name begun,FTLN 0163Philip, good old Sir Robert’s wife’s eldest son.KING JOHNFTLN 0164From henceforth bear his name whose form thouFTLN 0165165bearest.FTLN 0166Kneel thou down Philip, but rise more great.Philip kneels. King John dubs him a knight,tapping him on the shoulder with his sword.FTLN 0167Arise Sir Richard and Plantagenet.BASTARD, rising, to Robert FaulconbridgeFTLN 0168Brother by th’ mother’s side, give me your hand.FTLN 0169My father gave me honor, yours gave land.FTLN 0170170Now blessèd be the hour, by night or day,FTLN 0171When I was got, Sir Robert was away!QUEEN ELEANORFTLN 0172The very spirit of Plantagenet!FTLN 0173I am thy grandam, Richard. Call me so.BASTARDFTLN 0174Madam, by chance but not by truth. What though?FTLN 0175175Something about, a little from the right,FTLN 0176In at the window, or else o’er the hatch.FTLN 0177Who dares not stir by day must walk by night,FTLN 0178And have is have, however men do catch.FTLN 0179Near or far off, well won is still well shot,FTLN 0180180And I am I, howe’er I was begot.KING JOHN, to Robert FaulconbridgeFTLN 0181Go, Faulconbridge, now hast thou thy desire.FTLN 0182A landless knight makes thee a landed squire.—FTLN 0183Come, madam,—and come, Richard. We mustFTLN 0184speedFTLN 0185185For France, for France, for it is more than need.BASTARDFTLN 0186Brother, adieu, good fortune come to thee,

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FTLN 0187For thou wast got i’ th’ way of honesty.All but Bastard exit.FTLN 0188A foot of honor better than I was,FTLN 0189But many a many foot of land the worse.FTLN 0190190Well, now can I make any Joan a lady.FTLN 0191“Good den, Sir Richard!” “God-a-mercy, fellow!”FTLN 0192An if his name be George, I’ll call him “Peter,”FTLN 0193For new-made honor doth forget men’s names;FTLN 0194’Tis too respective and too sociableFTLN 0195195For your conversion. Now your traveler,FTLN 0196He and his toothpick at my Worship’s mess,FTLN 0197And when my knightly stomach is sufficed,FTLN 0198Why then I suck my teeth and catechizeFTLN 0199My pickèd man of countries: “My dear sir,”FTLN 0200200Thus leaning on mine elbow I begin,FTLN 0201“I shall beseech you”—that is Question now,FTLN 0202And then comes Answer like an absey-book:FTLN 0203“O, sir,” says Answer, “at your best command,FTLN 0204At your employment, at your service, sir.”FTLN 0205205“No, sir,” says Question, “I, sweet sir, at yours.”FTLN 0206And so, ere Answer knows what Question would,FTLN 0207Saving in dialogue of complimentFTLN 0208And talking of the Alps and Apennines,FTLN 0209The Pyrenean and the river Po,FTLN 0210210It draws toward supper in conclusion so.FTLN 0211But this is worshipful societyFTLN 0212And fits the mounting spirit like myself;FTLN 0213For he is but a bastard to the timeFTLN 0214That doth not smack of observation,FTLN 0215215And so am I whether I smack or no;FTLN 0216And not alone in habit and device,FTLN 0217Exterior form, outward accouterment,FTLN 0218But from the inward motion to deliverFTLN 0219Sweet, sweet, sweet poison for the age’s tooth,FTLN 0220220Which though I will not practice to deceive,

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FTLN 0221Yet to avoid deceit I mean to learn,FTLN 0222For it shall strew the footsteps of my rising.

Enter Lady Faulconbridge and James Gurney.

FTLN 0223But who comes in such haste in riding robes?FTLN 0224What woman post is this? Hath she no husbandFTLN 0225225That will take pains to blow a horn before her?FTLN 0226O me, ’tis my mother.—How now, good lady?FTLN 0227What brings you here to court so hastily?LADY FAULCONBRIDGEFTLN 0228Where is that slave thy brother? Where is heFTLN 0229That holds in chase mine honor up and down?BASTARDFTLN 0230230My brother Robert, old Sir Robert’s son?FTLN 0231Colbrand the Giant, that same mighty man?FTLN 0232Is it Sir Robert’s son that you seek so?LADY FAULCONBRIDGEFTLN 0233“Sir Robert’s son”? Ay, thou unreverent boy,FTLN 0234Sir Robert’s son. Why scorn’st thou at Sir Robert?FTLN 0235235He is Sir Robert’s son, and so art thou.BASTARDFTLN 0236James Gurney, wilt thou give us leave awhile?GURNEYFTLN 0237Good leave, good Philip.BASTARDFTLN 0238“Philip Sparrow,” James.FTLN 0239There’s toys abroad. Anon I’ll tell thee more.James Gurney exits.FTLN 0240240Madam, I was not old Sir Robert’s son.FTLN 0241Sir Robert might have eat his part in meFTLN 0242Upon Good Friday and ne’er broke his fast.FTLN 0243Sir Robert could do well—marry, to confess—FTLN 0244Could he get me. Sir Robert could not do it;FTLN 0245245We know his handiwork. Therefore, good mother,FTLN 0246To whom am I beholding for these limbs?FTLN 0247Sir Robert never holp to make this leg.

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LADY FAULCONBRIDGEFTLN 0248Hast thou conspirèd with thy brother too,FTLN 0249That for thine own gain shouldst defend mineFTLN 0250250honor?FTLN 0251What means this scorn, thou most untoward knave?BASTARDFTLN 0252Knight, knight, good mother, Basilisco-like.FTLN 0253What, I am dubbed! I have it on my shoulder.FTLN 0254But, mother, I am not Sir Robert’s son.FTLN 0255255I have disclaimed Sir Robert and my land.FTLN 0256Legitimation, name, and all is gone.FTLN 0257Then, good my mother, let me know my father—FTLN 0258Some proper man, I hope. Who was it, mother?LADY FAULCONBRIDGEFTLN 0259Hast thou denied thyself a Faulconbridge?BASTARDFTLN 0260260As faithfully as I deny the devil.LADY FAULCONBRIDGEFTLN 0261King Richard Coeur de Lion was thy father.FTLN 0262By long and vehement suit I was seducedFTLN 0263To make room for him in my husband’s bed.FTLN 0264Heaven lay not my transgression to my charge!FTLN 0265265Thou art the issue of my dear offense,FTLN 0266Which was so strongly urged past my defense.BASTARDFTLN 0267Now, by this light, were I to get again,FTLN 0268Madam, I would not wish a better father.FTLN 0269Some sins do bear their privilege on Earth,FTLN 0270270And so doth yours. Your fault was not your folly.FTLN 0271Needs must you lay your heart at his dispose,FTLN 0272Subjected tribute to commanding love,FTLN 0273Against whose fury and unmatchèd forceFTLN 0274The aweless lion could not wage the fight,FTLN 0275275Nor keep his princely heart from Richard’s hand.FTLN 0276He that perforce robs lions of their hearts

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FTLN 0277May easily win a woman’s. Ay, my mother,FTLN 0278With all my heart I thank thee for my father.FTLN 0279Who lives and dares but say thou didst not wellFTLN 0280280When I was got, I’ll send his soul to hell.FTLN 0281Come, lady, I will show thee to my kin,FTLN 0282And they shall say when Richard me begot,FTLN 0283If thou hadst said him nay, it had been sin.FTLN 0284Who says it was, he lies. I say ’twas not.They exit.

ACT2

Scene 1

Enter, before Angiers, at one side, with Forces, PhilipKing of France, Louis the Dauphin, Constance, Arthur,and Attendants; at the other side, with Forces, Austria,wearing a lion’s skin.

DAUPHINFTLN 0285Before Angiers well met, brave Austria.—FTLN 0286Arthur, that great forerunner of thy blood,FTLN 0287Richard, that robbed the lion of his heartFTLN 0288And fought the holy wars in Palestine,FTLN 02895By this brave duke came early to his grave.FTLN 0290And, for amends to his posterity,FTLN 0291At our importance hither is he comeFTLN 0292To spread his colors, boy, in thy behalf,FTLN 0293And to rebuke the usurpationFTLN 029410Of thy unnatural uncle, English John.FTLN 0295Embrace him, love him, give him welcome hither.ARTHURFTLN 0296God shall forgive you Coeur de Lion’s deathFTLN 0297The rather that you give his offspring life,FTLN 0298Shadowing their right under your wings of war.FTLN 029915I give you welcome with a powerless handFTLN 0300But with a heart full of unstainèd love.FTLN 0301Welcome before the gates of Angiers, duke.DAUPHINFTLN 0302A noble boy. Who would not do thee right?

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AUSTRIA, to ArthurFTLN 0303Upon thy cheek lay I this zealous kissFTLN 030420As seal to this indenture of my love:FTLN 0305That to my home I will no more returnFTLN 0306Till Angiers and the right thou hast in France,FTLN 0307Together with that pale, that white-faced shore,FTLN 0308Whose foot spurns back the ocean’s roaring tidesFTLN 030925And coops from other lands her islanders,FTLN 0310Even till that England, hedged in with the main,FTLN 0311That water-wallèd bulwark, still secureFTLN 0312And confident from foreign purposes,FTLN 0313Even till that utmost corner of the WestFTLN 031430Salute thee for her king. Till then, fair boy,FTLN 0315Will I not think of home, but follow arms.CONSTANCEFTLN 0316O, take his mother’s thanks, a widow’s thanks,FTLN 0317Till your strong hand shall help to give him strengthFTLN 0318To make a more requital to your love.AUSTRIAFTLN 031935The peace of heaven is theirs that lift their swordsFTLN 0320In such a just and charitable war.KING PHILIPFTLN 0321Well, then, to work. Our cannon shall be bentFTLN 0322Against the brows of this resisting town.FTLN 0323Call for our chiefest men of disciplineFTLN 032440To cull the plots of best advantages.FTLN 0325We’ll lay before this town our royal bones,FTLN 0326Wade to the marketplace in Frenchmen’s blood,FTLN 0327But we will make it subject to this boy.CONSTANCEFTLN 0328Stay for an answer to your embassy,FTLN 032945Lest unadvised you stain your swords with blood.FTLN 0330My lord Chatillion may from England bringFTLN 0331That right in peace which here we urge in war,FTLN 0332And then we shall repent each drop of bloodFTLN 0333That hot rash haste so indirectly shed.

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Enter Chatillion.

KING PHILIPFTLN 033450A wonder, lady! Lo, upon thy wishFTLN 0335Our messenger Chatillion is arrived.—FTLN 0336What England says say briefly, gentle lord.FTLN 0337We coldly pause for thee. Chatillion, speak.CHATILLIONFTLN 0338Then turn your forces from this paltry siegeFTLN 033955And stir them up against a mightier task.FTLN 0340England, impatient of your just demands,FTLN 0341Hath put himself in arms. The adverse winds,FTLN 0342Whose leisure I have stayed, have given him timeFTLN 0343To land his legions all as soon as I.FTLN 034460His marches are expedient to this town,FTLN 0345His forces strong, his soldiers confident.FTLN 0346With him along is come the Mother Queen,FTLN 0347An Ate stirring him to blood and strife;FTLN 0348With her her niece, the Lady Blanche of Spain;FTLN 034965With them a bastard of the King’s deceased.FTLN 0350And all th’ unsettled humors of the land—FTLN 0351Rash, inconsiderate, fiery voluntaries,FTLN 0352With ladies’ faces and fierce dragons’ spleens—FTLN 0353Have sold their fortunes at their native homes,FTLN 035470Bearing their birthrights proudly on their backs,FTLN 0355To make a hazard of new fortunes here.FTLN 0356In brief, a braver choice of dauntless spiritsFTLN 0357Than now the English bottoms have waft o’erFTLN 0358Did never float upon the swelling tideFTLN 035975To do offense and scathe in Christendom.Drum beats.FTLN 0360The interruption of their churlish drumsFTLN 0361Cuts off more circumstance. They are at hand,FTLN 0362To parley or to fight, therefore prepare.KING PHILIPFTLN 0363How much unlooked-for is this expedition.

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AUSTRIAFTLN 036480By how much unexpected, by so muchFTLN 0365We must awake endeavor for defense,FTLN 0366For courage mounteth with occasion.FTLN 0367Let them be welcome, then. We are prepared.

Enter King John of England, Bastard, QueenEleanor, Blanche, Salisbury, Pembroke, and others.

KING JOHNFTLN 0368Peace be to France, if France in peace permitFTLN 036985Our just and lineal entrance to our own.FTLN 0370If not, bleed France, and peace ascend to heaven,FTLN 0371Whiles we, God’s wrathful agent, do correctFTLN 0372Their proud contempt that beats his peace to heaven.KING PHILIPFTLN 0373Peace be to England, if that war returnFTLN 037490From France to England, there to live in peace.FTLN 0375England we love, and for that England’s sakeFTLN 0376With burden of our armor here we sweat.FTLN 0377This toil of ours should be a work of thine;FTLN 0378But thou from loving England art so farFTLN 037995That thou hast underwrought his lawful king,FTLN 0380Cut off the sequence of posterity,FTLN 0381Outfacèd infant state, and done a rapeFTLN 0382Upon the maiden virtue of the crown.FTLN 0383Look here upon thy brother Geoffrey’s face.He points to Arthur.FTLN 0384100These eyes, these brows, were molded out of his;FTLN 0385This little abstract doth contain that largeFTLN 0386Which died in Geoffrey, and the hand of timeFTLN 0387Shall draw this brief into as huge a volume.FTLN 0388That Geoffrey was thy elder brother born,FTLN 0389105And this his son. England was Geoffrey’s right,FTLN 0390And this is Geoffrey’s. In the name of God,FTLN 0391How comes it then that thou art called a king,

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King John

ACT 2. SC. 1

FTLN 0392When living blood doth in these temples beatFTLN 0393Which owe the crown that thou o’ermasterest?KING JOHNFTLN 0394110From whom hast thou this great commission,FTLN 0395France,FTLN 0396To draw my answer from thy articles?KING PHILIPFTLN 0397From that supernal judge that stirs good thoughtsFTLN 0398In any breast of strong authorityFTLN 0399115To look into the blots and stains of right.FTLN 0400That judge hath made me guardian to this boy,FTLN 0401Under whose warrant I impeach thy wrong,FTLN 0402And by whose help I mean to chastise it.KING JOHNFTLN 0403Alack, thou dost usurp authority.KING PHILIPFTLN 0404120Excuse it is to beat usurping down.QUEEN ELEANORFTLN 0405Who is it thou dost call usurper, France?CONSTANCEFTLN 0406Let me make answer: thy usurping son.QUEEN ELEANORFTLN 0407Out, insolent! Thy bastard shall be kingFTLN 0408That thou mayst be a queen and check the world.CONSTANCEFTLN 0409125My bed was ever to thy son as trueFTLN 0410As thine was to thy husband, and this boyFTLN 0411Liker in feature to his father GeoffreyFTLN 0412Than thou and John, in manners being as likeFTLN 0413As rain to water or devil to his dam.FTLN 0414130My boy a bastard? By my soul, I thinkFTLN 0415His father never was so true begot.FTLN 0416It cannot be, an if thou wert his mother.QUEEN ELEANOR, to ArthurFTLN 0417There’s a good mother, boy, that blots thy father.

41

King John

ACT 2. SC. 1

CONSTANCEFTLN 0418There’s a good grandam, boy, that would blot thee.AUSTRIAFTLN 0419135Peace!BASTARDFTLN 0420Hear the crier!AUSTRIAFTLN 0421What the devil art thou?BASTARDFTLN 0422One that will play the devil, sir, with you,FTLN 0423An he may catch your hide and you alone.FTLN 0424140You are the hare of whom the proverb goes,FTLN 0425Whose valor plucks dead lions by the beard.FTLN 0426I’ll smoke your skin-coat an I catch you right.FTLN 0427Sirrah, look to ’t. I’ faith, I will, i’ faith!BLANCHEFTLN 0428O, well did he become that lion’s robeFTLN 0429145That did disrobe the lion of that robe.BASTARDFTLN 0430It lies as sightly on the back of himFTLN 0431As great Alcides’ shoes upon an ass.—FTLN 0432But, ass, I’ll take that burden from your backFTLN 0433Or lay on that shall make your shoulders crack.AUSTRIAFTLN 0434150What cracker is this same that deafs our earsFTLN 0435With this abundance of superfluous breath?KINGPHILIPFTLN 0436Louis, determine what we shall do straight.DAUPHINFTLN 0437Women and fools, break off your conference.—FTLN 0438King John, this is the very sum of all:FTLN 0439155England and Ireland, Anjou, Touraine, Maine,FTLN 0440In right of Arthur do I claim of thee.FTLN 0441Wilt thou resign them and lay down thy arms?KING JOHNFTLN 0442My life as soon! I do defy thee, France.—FTLN 0443Arthur of Brittany, yield thee to my hand,

43

King John

ACT 2. SC. 1

FTLN 0444160And out of my dear love I’ll give thee moreFTLN 0445Than e’er the coward hand of France can win.FTLN 0446Submit thee, boy.QUEEN ELEANORFTLN 0447Come to thy grandam, child.CONSTANCEFTLN 0448Do, child, go to it grandam, child.FTLN 0449165Give grandam kingdom, and it grandam willFTLN 0450Give it a plum, a cherry, and a fig.FTLN 0451There’s a good grandam.ARTHUR, weepingFTLN 0452Good my mother, peace.FTLN 0453I would that I were low laid in my grave.FTLN 0454170I am not worth this coil that’s made for me.QUEEN ELEANORFTLN 0455His mother shames him so, poor boy, he weeps.CONSTANCEFTLN 0456Now shame upon you whe’er she does or no!FTLN 0457His grandam’s wrongs, and not his mother’sFTLN 0458shames,FTLN 0459175Draws those heaven-moving pearls from his poorFTLN 0460eyes,FTLN 0461Which heaven shall take in nature of a fee.FTLN 0462Ay, with these crystal beads heaven shall be bribedFTLN 0463To do him justice and revenge on you.QUEEN ELEANORFTLN 0464180Thou monstrous slanderer of heaven and Earth!CONSTANCEFTLN 0465Thou monstrous injurer of heaven and Earth,FTLN 0466Call not me slanderer. Thou and thine usurpFTLN 0467The dominations, royalties, and rightsFTLN 0468Of this oppressèd boy. This is thy eldest son’s son,FTLN 0469185Infortunate in nothing but in thee.FTLN 0470Thy sins are visited in this poor child.FTLN 0471The canon of the law is laid on him,FTLN 0472Being but the second generationFTLN 0473Removèd from thy sin-conceiving womb.

45

King John

ACT 2. SC. 1

KING JOHNFTLN 0474190Bedlam, have done.CONSTANCEFTLN 0475I have but this to say,FTLN 0476That he is not only plaguèd for her sin,FTLN 0477But God hath made her sin and her the plagueFTLN 0478On this removèd issue, plagued for her,FTLN 0479195And with her plague; her sin his injury,FTLN 0480Her injury the beadle to her sin,FTLN 0481All punished in the person of this childFTLN 0482And all for her. A plague upon her!QUEEN ELEANORFTLN 0483Thou unadvisèd scold, I can produceFTLN 0484200A will that bars the title of thy son.CONSTANCEFTLN 0485Ay, who doubts that? A will—a wicked will,FTLN 0486A woman’s will, a cankered grandam’s will.KING PHILIPFTLN 0487Peace, lady. Pause, or be more temperate.FTLN 0488It ill beseems this presence to cry aimFTLN 0489205To these ill-tunèd repetitions.—FTLN 0490Some trumpet summon hither to the wallsFTLN 0491These men of Angiers. Let us hear them speakFTLN 0492Whose title they admit, Arthur’s or John’s.Trumpet sounds.

Enter Citizens upon the walls.

CITIZENFTLN 0493Who is it that hath warned us to the walls?KING PHILIPFTLN 0494210’Tis France, for England.KING JOHNFTLN 0495England, for itself.FTLN 0496You men of Angiers, and my loving subjects—KING PHILIPFTLN 0497You loving men of Angiers, Arthur’s subjects,FTLN 0498Our trumpet called you to this gentle parle—

47

King John

ACT 2. SC. 1

KING JOHNFTLN 0499215For our advantage. Therefore hear us first.FTLN 0500These flags of France that are advancèd hereFTLN 0501Before the eye and prospect of your town,FTLN 0502Have hither marched to your endamagement.FTLN 0503The cannons have their bowels full of wrath,FTLN 0504220And ready mounted are they to spit forthFTLN 0505Their iron indignation ’gainst your walls.FTLN 0506All preparation for a bloody siegeFTLN 0507And merciless proceeding by these FrenchFTLN 0508Confronts your city’s eyes, your winking gates,FTLN 0509225And, but for our approach, those sleeping stones,FTLN 0510That as a waist doth girdle you about,FTLN 0511By the compulsion of their ordinanceFTLN 0512By this time from their fixèd beds of limeFTLN 0513Had been dishabited, and wide havoc madeFTLN 0514230For bloody power to rush upon your peace.FTLN 0515But on the sight of us your lawful king,FTLN 0516Who painfully with much expedient marchFTLN 0517Have brought a countercheck before your gatesFTLN 0518To save unscratched your city’s threatened cheeks,FTLN 0519235Behold, the French, amazed, vouchsafe a parle.FTLN 0520And now, instead of bullets wrapped in fireFTLN 0521To make a shaking fever in your walls,FTLN 0522They shoot but calm words folded up in smokeFTLN 0523To make a faithless error in your ears,FTLN 0524240Which trust accordingly, kind citizens,FTLN 0525And let us in. Your king, whose labored spiritsFTLN 0526Forwearied in this action of swift speed,FTLN 0527Craves harborage within your city walls.KING PHILIPFTLN 0528When I have said, make answer to us both.He takes Arthur by the hand.FTLN 0529245Lo, in this right hand, whose protectionFTLN 0530Is most divinely vowed upon the right

49

King John

ACT 2. SC. 1

FTLN 0531Of him it holds, stands young Plantagenet,FTLN 0532Son to the elder brother of this man,FTLN 0533And king o’er him and all that he enjoys.FTLN 0534250For this downtrodden equity we treadFTLN 0535In warlike march these greens before your town,FTLN 0536Being no further enemy to youFTLN 0537Than the constraint of hospitable zealFTLN 0538In the relief of this oppressèd childFTLN 0539255Religiously provokes. Be pleasèd thenFTLN 0540To pay that duty which you truly oweFTLN 0541To him that owes it, namely, this young prince,FTLN 0542And then our arms, like to a muzzled bearFTLN 0543Save in aspect, hath all offense sealed up.FTLN 0544260Our cannons’ malice vainly shall be spentFTLN 0545Against th’ invulnerable clouds of heaven,FTLN 0546And with a blessèd and unvexed retire,FTLN 0547With unbacked swords and helmets all unbruised,FTLN 0548We will bear home that lusty blood againFTLN 0549265Which here we came to spout against your town,FTLN 0550And leave your children, wives, and you in peace.FTLN 0551But if you fondly pass our proffered offer,FTLN 0552’Tis not the roundure of your old-faced wallsFTLN 0553Can hide you from our messengers of war,FTLN 0554270Though all these English and their disciplineFTLN 0555Were harbored in their rude circumference.FTLN 0556Then tell us, shall your city call us lordFTLN 0557In that behalf which we have challenged it?FTLN 0558Or shall we give the signal to our rageFTLN 0559275And stalk in blood to our possession?CITIZENFTLN 0560In brief, we are the King of England’s subjects.FTLN 0561For him, and in his right, we hold this town.KING JOHNFTLN 0562Acknowledge then the King and let me in.CITIZENFTLN 0563That can we not. But he that proves the King,

51

King John

ACT 2. SC. 1

FTLN 0564280To him will we prove loyal. Till that timeFTLN 0565Have we rammed up our gates against the world.KING JOHNFTLN 0566Doth not the crown of England prove the King?FTLN 0567And if not that, I bring you witnesses,FTLN 0568Twice fifteen thousand hearts of England’s breed—BASTARDFTLN 0569285Bastards and else.KING JOHNFTLN 0570To verify our title with their lives.KING PHILIPFTLN 0571As many and as wellborn bloods as those—BASTARDFTLN 0572Some bastards too.KING PHILIPFTLN 0573Stand in his face to contradict his claim.CITIZENFTLN 0574290Till you compound whose right is worthiest,FTLN 0575We for the worthiest hold the right from both.KING JOHNFTLN 0576Then God forgive the sin of all those soulsFTLN 0577That to their everlasting residence,FTLN 0578Before the dew of evening fall, shall fleetFTLN 0579295In dreadful trial of our kingdom’s king.KING PHILIPFTLN 0580Amen, amen.—Mount, chevaliers! To arms!BASTARDFTLN 0581Saint George, that swinged the dragon and e’erFTLN 0582sinceFTLN 0583Sits on ’s horseback at mine hostess’ door,FTLN 0584300Teach us some fence!To Austria. Sirrah, were I atFTLN 0585homeFTLN 0586At your den, sirrah, with your lioness,FTLN 0587I would set an ox head to your lion’s hideFTLN 0588And make a monster of you.AUSTRIAFTLN 0589305Peace! No more.BASTARDFTLN 0590O, tremble, for you hear the lion roar.

53

King John

ACT 2. SC. 1

KING JOHN, to his officersFTLN 0591Up higher to the plain, where we’ll set forthFTLN 0592In best appointment all our regiments.BASTARDFTLN 0593Speed, then, to take advantage of the field.KING PHILIP, to his officersFTLN 0594310It shall be so, and at the other hillFTLN 0595Command the rest to stand. God and our right!They exit. Citizens remain, above.

Here, after excursions,enter the Herald of France, withTrumpets, to the gates.

FRENCH HERALDFTLN 0596You men of Angiers, open wide your gates,FTLN 0597And let young Arthur, Duke of Brittany, in,FTLN 0598Who by the hand of France this day hath madeFTLN 0599315Much work for tears in many an English mother,FTLN 0600Whose sons lie scattered on the bleeding ground.FTLN 0601Many a widow’s husband groveling liesFTLN 0602Coldly embracing the discolored earth,FTLN 0603And victory with little loss doth playFTLN 0604320Upon the dancing banners of the French,FTLN 0605Who are at hand, triumphantly displayed,FTLN 0606To enter conquerors and to proclaimFTLN 0607Arthur of Brittany England’s king and yours.

Enter English Herald, with Trumpet.

ENGLISH HERALDFTLN 0608Rejoice, you men of Angiers, ring your bells!FTLN 0609325King John, your king and England’s, doth approach,FTLN 0610Commander of this hot malicious day.FTLN 0611Their armors, that marched hence so silver bright,FTLN 0612Hither return all gilt with Frenchmen’s blood.FTLN 0613There stuck no plume in any English crestFTLN 0614330That is removèd by a staff of France.

55

King John

ACT 2. SC. 1

FTLN 0615Our colors do return in those same handsFTLN 0616That did display them when we first marched forth,FTLN 0617And like a jolly troop of huntsmen comeFTLN 0618Our lusty English, all with purpled hands,FTLN 0619335Dyed in the dying slaughter of their foes.FTLN 0620Open your gates, and give the victors way.CITIZENFTLN 0621Heralds, from off our towers we might beholdFTLN 0622From first to last the onset and retireFTLN 0623Of both your armies, whose equalityFTLN 0624340By our best eyes cannot be censurèd.FTLN 0625Blood hath bought blood, and blows have answeredFTLN 0626blows,FTLN 0627Strength matched with strength, and powerFTLN 0628confronted power.FTLN 0629345Both are alike, and both alike we like.FTLN 0630One must prove greatest. While they weigh so even,FTLN 0631We hold our town for neither, yet for both.

Enter the two Kings with their Powers (including theBastard, Queen Eleanor, Blanche, and Salisbury;Austria, and Louis the Dauphin), at several doors.

KING JOHNFTLN 0632France, hast thou yet more blood to cast away?FTLN 0633Say, shall the current of our right roam on,FTLN 0634350Whose passage, vexed with thy impediment,FTLN 0635Shall leave his native channel and o’erswellFTLN 0636With course disturbed even thy confining shores,FTLN 0637Unless thou let his silver water keepFTLN 0638A peaceful progress to the ocean?KING PHILIPFTLN 0639355England, thou hast not saved one drop of bloodFTLN 0640In this hot trial more than we of France,FTLN 0641Rather lost more. And by this hand I swearFTLN 0642That sways the earth this climate overlooks,

57

King John

ACT 2. SC. 1

FTLN 0643Before we will lay down our just-borne arms,FTLN 0644360We’ll put thee down, ’gainst whom these arms weFTLN 0645bear,FTLN 0646Or add a royal number to the dead,FTLN 0647Gracing the scroll that tells of this war’s lossFTLN 0648With slaughter coupled to the name of kings.BASTARD, asideFTLN 0649365Ha, majesty! How high thy glory towersFTLN 0650When the rich blood of kings is set on fire!FTLN 0651O, now doth Death line his dead chaps with steel,FTLN 0652The swords of soldiers are his teeth, his fangs,FTLN 0653And now he feasts, mousing the flesh of menFTLN 0654370In undetermined differences of kings.FTLN 0655Why stand these royal fronts amazèd thus?FTLN 0656Cry havoc, kings! Back to the stainèd field,FTLN 0657You equal potents, fiery-kindled spirits.FTLN 0658Then let confusion of one part confirmFTLN 0659375The other’s peace. Till then, blows, blood, andFTLN 0660death!KING JOHNFTLN 0661Whose party do the townsmen yet admit?KING PHILIPFTLN 0662Speak, citizens, for England. Who’s your king?CITIZENFTLN 0663The King of England, when we know the King.KING PHILIPFTLN 0664380Know him in us, that here hold up his right.KING JOHNFTLN 0665In us, that are our own great deputyFTLN 0666And bear possession of our person here,FTLN 0667Lord of our presence, Angiers, and of you.CITIZENFTLN 0668A greater power than we denies all this,FTLN 0669385And till it be undoubted, we do lockFTLN 0670Our former scruple in our strong-barred gates,

59

King John

ACT 2. SC. 1

FTLN 0671Kings of our fear, until our fears resolvedFTLN 0672Be by some certain king purged and deposed.BASTARDFTLN 0673By heaven, these scroyles of Angiers flout you, kings,FTLN 0674390And stand securely on their battlementsFTLN 0675As in a theater, whence they gape and pointFTLN 0676At your industrious scenes and acts of death.FTLN 0677Your royal presences, be ruled by me:FTLN 0678Do like the mutines of Jerusalem,FTLN 0679395Be friends awhile, and both conjointly bendFTLN 0680Your sharpest deeds of malice on this town.FTLN 0681By east and west let France and England mountFTLN 0682Their battering cannon chargèd to the mouths,FTLN 0683Till their soul-fearing clamors have brawled downFTLN 0684400The flinty ribs of this contemptuous city.FTLN 0685I’d play incessantly upon these jades,FTLN 0686Even till unfencèd desolationFTLN 0687Leave them as naked as the vulgar air.FTLN 0688That done, dissever your united strengthsFTLN 0689405And part your mingled colors once again;FTLN 0690Turn face to face and bloody point to point.FTLN 0691Then in a moment Fortune shall cull forthFTLN 0692Out of one side her happy minion,FTLN 0693To whom in favor she shall give the dayFTLN 0694410And kiss him with a glorious victory.FTLN 0695How like you this wild counsel, mighty states?FTLN 0696Smacks it not something of the policy?KING JOHNFTLN 0697Now by the sky that hangs above our heads,FTLN 0698I like it well. France, shall we knit our powersFTLN 0699415And lay this Angiers even with the ground,FTLN 0700Then after fight who shall be king of it?BASTARD, to King PhilipFTLN 0701An if thou hast the mettle of a king,FTLN 0702Being wronged as we are by this peevish town,

61

King John

ACT 2. SC. 1

FTLN 0703Turn thou the mouth of thy artillery,FTLN 0704420As we will ours, against these saucy walls,FTLN 0705And when that we have dashed them to the ground,FTLN 0706Why, then, defy each other and pell-mellFTLN 0707Make work upon ourselves, for heaven or hell.KING PHILIPFTLN 0708Let it be so. Say, where will you assault?KING JOHNFTLN 0709425We from the west will send destructionFTLN 0710Into this city’s bosom.AUSTRIAFTLN 0711I from the north.KING PHILIPFTLN 0712Our thunder from the southFTLN 0713Shall rain their drift of bullets on this town.BASTARD, asideFTLN 0714430O, prudent discipline! From north to south,FTLN 0715Austria and France shoot in each other’s mouth.FTLN 0716I’ll stir them to it. — Come, away, away!CITIZENFTLN 0717Hear us, great kings. Vouchsafe awhile to stay,FTLN 0718And I shall show you peace and fair-faced league,FTLN 0719435Win you this city without stroke or wound,FTLN 0720Rescue those breathing lives to die in bedsFTLN 0721That here come sacrifices for the field.FTLN 0722Persever not, but hear me, mighty kings.KING JOHNFTLN 0723Speak on with favor. We are bent to hear.CITIZENFTLN 0724440That daughter there of Spain, the Lady Blanche,FTLN 0725Is near to England. Look upon the yearsFTLN 0726Of Louis the Dauphin and that lovely maid.FTLN 0727If lusty love should go in quest of beauty,FTLN 0728Where should he find it fairer than in Blanche?FTLN 0729445If zealous love should go in search of virtue,FTLN 0730Where should he find it purer than in Blanche?FTLN 0731If love ambitious sought a match of birth,

63

King John

ACT 2. SC. 1

FTLN 0732Whose veins bound richer blood than LadyFTLN 0733Blanche?FTLN 0734450Such as she is, in beauty, virtue, birth,FTLN 0735Is the young Dauphin every way complete.FTLN 0736If not complete of, say he is not she,FTLN 0737And she again wants nothing, to name want,FTLN 0738If want it be not that she is not he.FTLN 0739455He is the half part of a blessèd man,FTLN 0740Left to be finishèd by such as she,FTLN 0741And she a fair divided excellence,FTLN 0742Whose fullness of perfection lies in him.FTLN 0743O, two such silver currents when they joinFTLN 0744460Do glorify the banks that bound them in,FTLN 0745And two such shores to two such streams made one,FTLN 0746Two such controlling bounds shall you be, kings,FTLN 0747To these two princes, if you marry them.FTLN 0748This union shall do more than battery canFTLN 0749465To our fast-closèd gates, for at this match,FTLN 0750With swifter spleen than powder can enforce,FTLN 0751The mouth of passage shall we fling wide opeFTLN 0752And give you entrance. But without this match,FTLN 0753The sea enragèd is not half so deaf,FTLN 0754470Lions more confident, mountains and rocksFTLN 0755More free from motion, no, not Death himselfFTLN 0756In mortal fury half so peremptoryFTLN 0757As we to keep this city.King Philip and Louis the Dauphinwalk aside and talk.BASTARD, asideFTLN 0758Here’s a stayFTLN 0759475That shakes the rotten carcass of old DeathFTLN 0760Out of his rags! Here’s a large mouth indeedFTLN 0761That spits forth death and mountains, rocks andFTLN 0762seas;FTLN 0763Talks as familiarly of roaring lionsFTLN 0764480As maids of thirteen do of puppy dogs.

65

King John

ACT 2. SC. 1

FTLN 0765What cannoneer begot this lusty blood?FTLN 0766He speaks plain cannon fire, and smoke, andFTLN 0767bounce.FTLN 0768He gives the bastinado with his tongue.FTLN 0769485Our ears are cudgeled. Not a word of hisFTLN 0770But buffets better than a fist of France.FTLN 0771Zounds, I was never so bethumped with wordsFTLN 0772Since I first called my brother’s father Dad.QUEEN ELEANOR, aside to King JohnFTLN 0773Son, list to this conjunction; make this match.FTLN 0774490Give with our niece a dowry large enough,FTLN 0775For by this knot thou shalt so surely tieFTLN 0776Thy now unsured assurance to the crownFTLN 0777That yon green boy shall have no sun to ripeFTLN 0778The bloom that promiseth a mighty fruit.FTLN 0779495I see a yielding in the looks of France.FTLN 0780Mark how they whisper. Urge them while theirFTLN 0781soulsFTLN 0782Are capable of this ambition,FTLN 0783Lest zeal, now melted by the windy breathFTLN 0784500Of soft petitions, pity, and remorse,FTLN 0785Cool and congeal again to what it was.CITIZENFTLN 0786Why answer not the double majestiesFTLN 0787This friendly treaty of our threatened town?KING PHILIPFTLN 0788Speak England first, that hath been forward firstFTLN 0789505To speak unto this city. What say you?KING JOHNFTLN 0790If that the Dauphin there, thy princely son,FTLN 0791Can in this book of beauty read “I love,”FTLN 0792Her dowry shall weigh equal with a queen.FTLN 0793For Anjou and fair Touraine, Maine, Poitiers,FTLN 0794510And all that we upon this side the sea—FTLN 0795Except this city now by us besieged—

67

King John

ACT 2. SC. 1

FTLN 0796Find liable to our crown and dignity,FTLN 0797Shall gild her bridal bed and make her richFTLN 0798In titles, honors, and promotions,FTLN 0799515As she in beauty, education, blood,FTLN 0800Holds hand with any princess of the world.KING PHILIPFTLN 0801What sayst thou, boy? Look in the lady’s face.DAUPHINFTLN 0802I do, my lord, and in her eye I findFTLN 0803A wonder or a wondrous miracle,FTLN 0804520The shadow of myself formed in her eye,FTLN 0805Which, being but the shadow of your son,FTLN 0806Becomes a sun and makes your son a shadow.FTLN 0807I do protest I never loved myselfFTLN 0808Till now infixèd I beheld myselfFTLN 0809525Drawn in the flattering table of her eye.He whispers with Blanche.BASTARD, asideFTLN 0810“Drawn in the flattering table of her eye”?FTLN 0811Hanged in the frowning wrinkle of her browFTLN 0812And quartered in her heart! He doth espyFTLN 0813Himself love’s traitor. This is pity now,FTLN 0814530That hanged and drawn and quartered there shouldFTLN 0815beFTLN 0816In such a love so vile a lout as he.BLANCHE, aside to DauphinFTLN 0817My uncle’s will in this respect is mine.FTLN 0818If he see aught in you that makes him like,FTLN 0819535That anything he sees which moves his likingFTLN 0820I can with ease translate it to my will.FTLN 0821Or if you will, to speak more properly,FTLN 0822I will enforce it eas’ly to my love.FTLN 0823Further I will not flatter you, my lord,FTLN 0824540That all I see in you is worthy love,FTLN 0825Than this: that nothing do I see in you,

69

King John

ACT 2. SC. 1

FTLN 0826Though churlish thoughts themselves should beFTLN 0827your judge,FTLN 0828That I can find should merit any hate.KING JOHNFTLN 0829545What say these young ones? What say you, myFTLN 0830niece?BLANCHEFTLN 0831That she is bound in honor still to doFTLN 0832What you in wisdom still vouchsafe to say.KING JOHNFTLN 0833Speak then, Prince Dauphin. Can you love this lady?DAUPHINFTLN 0834550Nay, ask me if I can refrain from love,FTLN 0835For I do love her most unfeignedly.KING JOHNFTLN 0836Then do I give Volquessen, Touraine, Maine,FTLN 0837Poitiers and Anjou, these five provincesFTLN 0838With her to thee, and this addition more:FTLN 0839555Full thirty thousand marks of English coin.—FTLN 0840Philip of France, if thou be pleased withal,FTLN 0841Command thy son and daughter to join hands.KING PHILIPFTLN 0842It likes us well.—Young princes, close your hands.AUSTRIAFTLN 0843And your lips too, for I am well assuredFTLN 0844560That I did so when I was first assured.Dauphin and Blanche join hands and kiss.KING PHILIPFTLN 0845Now, citizens of Angiers, ope your gates.FTLN 0846Let in that amity which you have made,FTLN 0847For at Saint Mary’s Chapel presentlyFTLN 0848The rites of marriage shall be solemnized.—FTLN 0849565Is not the Lady Constance in this troop?FTLN 0850I know she is not, for this match made upFTLN 0851Her presence would have interrupted much.FTLN 0852Where is she and her son? Tell me, who knows.

71

King John

ACT 2. SC. 1

DAUPHINFTLN 0853She is sad and passionate at your Highness’ tent.KING PHILIPFTLN 0854570And by my faith, this league that we have madeFTLN 0855Will give her sadness very little cure.—FTLN 0856Brother of England, how may we contentFTLN 0857This widow lady? In her right we came,FTLN 0858Which we, God knows, have turned another wayFTLN 0859575To our own vantage.KING JOHNFTLN 0860We will heal up all,FTLN 0861For we’ll create young Arthur Duke of BrittanyFTLN 0862And Earl of Richmond, and this rich, fair townFTLN 0863We make him lord of.—Call the Lady Constance.FTLN 0864580Some speedy messenger bid her repairFTLN 0865To our solemnity.Salisbury exits. I trust weFTLN 0866shall,FTLN 0867If not fill up the measure of her will,FTLN 0868Yet in some measure satisfy her soFTLN 0869585That we shall stop her exclamation.FTLN 0870Go we as well as haste will suffer usFTLN 0871To this unlooked-for, unpreparèd pomp.All but the Bastard exit.BASTARDFTLN 0872Mad world, mad kings, mad composition!FTLN 0873John, to stop Arthur’s title in the whole,FTLN 0874590Hath willingly departed with a part;FTLN 0875And France, whose armor conscience buckled on,FTLN 0876Whom zeal and charity brought to the fieldFTLN 0877As God’s own soldier, rounded in the earFTLN 0878With that same purpose-changer, that sly devil,FTLN 0879595That broker that still breaks the pate of faith,FTLN 0880That daily break-vow, he that wins of all,FTLN 0881Of kings, of beggars, old men, young men, maids—FTLN 0882Who having no external thing to loseFTLN 0883But the word “maid,” cheats the poor maid ofFTLN 0884600that—

73

King John

ACT 2. SC. 1

FTLN 0885That smooth-faced gentleman, tickling Commodity,FTLN 0886Commodity, the bias of the world—FTLN 0887The world, who of itself is peisèd well,FTLN 0888Made to run even upon even ground,FTLN 0889605Till this advantage, this vile-drawing bias,FTLN 0890This sway of motion, this Commodity,FTLN 0891Makes it take head from all indifferency,FTLN 0892From all direction, purpose, course, intent.FTLN 0893And this same bias, this Commodity,FTLN 0894610This bawd, this broker, this all-changing word,FTLN 0895Clapped on the outward eye of fickle France,FTLN 0896Hath drawn him from his own determined aid,FTLN 0897From a resolved and honorable warFTLN 0898To a most base and vile-concluded peace.FTLN 0899615And why rail I on this Commodity?FTLN 0900But for because he hath not wooed me yet.FTLN 0901Not that I have the power to clutch my handFTLN 0902When his fair angels would salute my palm,FTLN 0903But for my hand, as unattempted yet,FTLN 0904620Like a poor beggar raileth on the rich.FTLN 0905Well, whiles I am a beggar, I will railFTLN 0906And say there is no sin but to be rich;FTLN 0907And being rich, my virtue then shall beFTLN 0908To say there is no vice but beggary.FTLN 0909625Since kings break faith upon Commodity,FTLN 0910Gain, be my lord, for I will worship thee!He exits.

ACT 3

Scene1

Enter Constance, Arthur, and Salisbury.

CONSTANCE, to SalisburyFTLN 0911Gone to be married? Gone to swear a peace?FTLN 0912False blood to false blood joined? Gone to be friends?FTLN 0913Shall Louis have Blanche and Blanche thoseFTLN 0914provinces?FTLN 09155It is not so. Thou hast misspoke, misheard.FTLN 0916Be well advised; tell o’er thy tale again.FTLN 0917It cannot be; thou dost but say ’tis so.FTLN 0918I trust I may not trust thee, for thy wordFTLN 0919Is but the vain breath of a common man.FTLN 092010Believe me, I do not believe thee, man.FTLN 0921I have a king’s oath to the contrary.FTLN 0922Thou shalt be punished for thus flighting me,FTLN 0923For I am sick and capable of fears,FTLN 0924Oppressed with wrongs and therefore full of fears,FTLN 092515A widow, husbandless, subject to fears,FTLN 0926A woman naturally born to fears.FTLN 0927And though thou now confess thou didst but jest,FTLN 0928With my vexed spirits I cannot take a truce,FTLN 0929But they will quake and tremble all this day.FTLN 093020What dost thou mean by shaking of thy head?FTLN 0931Why dost thou look so sadly on my son?FTLN 0932What means that hand upon that breast of thine?

77

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ACT 3. SC. 1

FTLN 0933Why holds thine eye that lamentable rheum,FTLN 0934Like a proud river peering o’er his bounds?FTLN 093525Be these sad signs confirmers of thy words?FTLN 0936Then speak again—not all thy former tale,FTLN 0937But this one word, whether thy tale be true.SALISBURYFTLN 0938As true as I believe you think them falseFTLN 0939That give you cause to prove my saying true.CONSTANCEFTLN 094030O, if thou teach me to believe this sorrow,FTLN 0941Teach thou this sorrow how to make me die,FTLN 0942And let belief and life encounter soFTLN 0943As doth the fury of two desperate menFTLN 0944Which in the very meeting fall and die.FTLN 094535Louis marry Blanche?—O, boy, then where artFTLN 0946thou?—FTLN 0947France friend with England? What becomes of me?FTLN 0948Fellow, be gone. I cannot brook thy sight.FTLN 0949This news hath made thee a most ugly man.SALISBURYFTLN 095040What other harm have I, good lady, doneFTLN 0951But spoke the harm that is by others done?CONSTANCEFTLN 0952Which harm within itself so heinous isFTLN 0953As it makes harmful all that speak of it.ARTHURFTLN 0954I do beseech you, madam, be content.CONSTANCEFTLN 095545If thou that bidd’st me be content wert grim,FTLN 0956Ugly, and sland’rous to thy mother’s womb,FTLN 0957Full of unpleasing blots and sightless stains,FTLN 0958Lame, foolish, crooked, swart, prodigious,FTLN 0959Patched with foul moles and eye-offending marks,FTLN 096050I would not care; I then would be content,FTLN 0961For then I should not love thee; no, nor thou

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ACT 3. SC. 1

FTLN 0962Become thy great birth, nor deserve a crown.FTLN 0963But thou art fair, and at thy birth, dear boy,FTLN 0964Nature and Fortune joined to make thee great.FTLN 096555Of Nature’s gifts thou mayst with lilies boast,FTLN 0966And with the half-blown rose. But Fortune, O,FTLN 0967She is corrupted, changed, and won from thee;FTLN 0968Sh’ adulterates hourly with thine Uncle John,FTLN 0969And with her golden hand hath plucked on FranceFTLN 097060To tread down fair respect of sovereignty,FTLN 0971And made his majesty the bawd to theirs.FTLN 0972France is a bawd to Fortune and King John,FTLN 0973That strumpet Fortune, that usurping John.—FTLN 0974Tell me, thou fellow, is not France forsworn?FTLN 097565Envenom him with words, or get thee goneFTLN 0976And leave those woes alone which I aloneFTLN 0977Am bound to underbear.SALISBURYFTLN 0978Pardon me, madam,FTLN 0979I may not go without you to the Kings.CONSTANCEFTLN 098070Thou mayst, thou shalt, I will not go with thee.FTLN 0981I will instruct my sorrows to be proud,FTLN 0982For grief is proud and makes his owner stoop.She sits down.FTLN 0983To me and to the state of my great griefFTLN 0984Let kings assemble, for my grief ’s so greatFTLN 098575That no supporter but the huge firm EarthFTLN 0986Can hold it up. Here I and sorrows sit.FTLN 0987Here is my throne; bid kings come bow to it.

Enter King John, hand in hand with King Philip ofFrance, Louis the Dauphin, Blanche, Queen Eleanor,Bastard, Austria, and Attendants.

KING PHILIP, to BlancheFTLN 0988’Tis true, fair daughter, and this blessèd dayFTLN 0989Ever in France shall be kept festival.

83

King John

ACT 3. SC. 1

FTLN 099080To solemnize this day the glorious sunFTLN 0991Stays in his course and plays the alchemist,FTLN 0992Turning with splendor of his precious eyeFTLN 0993The meager cloddy earth to glittering gold.FTLN 0994The yearly course that brings this day aboutFTLN 099585Shall never see it but a holy day.CONSTANCE, risingFTLN 0996A wicked day, and not a holy day!FTLN 0997What hath this day deserved? What hath it doneFTLN 0998That it in golden letters should be setFTLN 0999Among the high tides in the calendar?FTLN 100090Nay, rather turn this day out of the week,FTLN 1001This day of shame, oppression, perjury.FTLN 1002Or if it must stand still, let wives with childFTLN 1003Pray that their burdens may not fall this day,FTLN 1004Lest that their hopes prodigiously be crossed.FTLN 100595But on this day let seamen fear no wrack;FTLN 1006No bargains break that are not this day made;FTLN 1007This day, all things begun come to ill end,FTLN 1008Yea, faith itself to hollow falsehood change!KING PHILIPFTLN 1009By heaven, lady, you shall have no causeFTLN 1010100To curse the fair proceedings of this day.FTLN 1011Have I not pawned to you my majesty?CONSTANCEFTLN 1012You have beguiled me with a counterfeitFTLN 1013Resembling majesty, which, being touched and tried,FTLN 1014Proves valueless. You are forsworn, forsworn.FTLN 1015105You came in arms to spill mine enemies’ blood,FTLN 1016But now in arms you strengthen it with yours.FTLN 1017The grappling vigor and rough frown of warFTLN 1018Is cold in amity and painted peace,FTLN 1019And our oppression hath made up this league.FTLN 1020110Arm, arm, you heavens, against these perjuredFTLN 1021kings!

KING PHILIPFTLN 1051Here comes the holy legate of the Pope.PANDULPHFTLN 1052Hail, you anointed deputies of heaven!FTLN 1053To thee, King John, my holy errand is.FTLN 1054I, Pandulph, of fair Milan cardinalFTLN 1055145And from Pope Innocent the legate here,FTLN 1056Do in his name religiously demandFTLN 1057Why thou against the Church, our holy mother,FTLN 1058So willfully dost spurn, and force perforceFTLN 1059Keep Stephen Langton, chosen ArchbishopFTLN 1060150Of Canterbury, from that Holy See.FTLN 1061This, in our foresaid Holy Father’s name,FTLN 1062Pope Innocent, I do demand of thee.KING JOHNFTLN 1063What earthy name to interrogatoriesFTLN 1064Can task the free breath of a sacred king?FTLN 1065155Thou canst not, cardinal, devise a nameFTLN 1066So slight, unworthy, and ridiculousFTLN 1067To charge me to an answer, as the Pope.FTLN 1068Tell him this tale, and from the mouth of EnglandFTLN 1069Add thus much more, that no Italian priestFTLN 1070160Shall tithe or toll in our dominions;FTLN 1071But as we under God are supreme head,FTLN 1072So, under Him, that great supremacyFTLN 1073Where we do reign we will alone upholdFTLN 1074Without th’ assistance of a mortal hand.FTLN 1075165So tell the Pope, all reverence set apartFTLN 1076To him and his usurped authority.KING PHILIPFTLN 1077Brother of England, you blaspheme in this.KING JOHNFTLN 1078Though you and all the kings of ChristendomFTLN 1079Are led so grossly by this meddling priest,

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ACT 3. SC. 1

FTLN 1080170Dreading the curse that money may buy out,FTLN 1081And by the merit of vile gold, dross, dust,FTLN 1082Purchase corrupted pardon of a manFTLN 1083Who in that sale sells pardon from himself,FTLN 1084Though you and all the rest, so grossly led,FTLN 1085175This juggling witchcraft with revenue cherish,FTLN 1086Yet I alone, alone do me opposeFTLN 1087Against the Pope, and count his friends my foes.PANDULPHFTLN 1088Then, by the lawful power that I have,FTLN 1089Thou shalt stand cursed and excommunicate;FTLN 1090180And blessèd shall he be that doth revoltFTLN 1091From his allegiance to an heretic;FTLN 1092And meritorious shall that hand be called,FTLN 1093Canonizèd and worshiped as a saint,FTLN 1094That takes away by any secret courseFTLN 1095185Thy hateful life.CONSTANCEFTLN 1096O, lawful let it beFTLN 1097That I have room with Rome to curse awhile!FTLN 1098Good father cardinal, cry thou “Amen”FTLN 1099To my keen curses, for without my wrongFTLN 1100190There is no tongue hath power to curse him right.PANDULPHFTLN 1101There’s law and warrant, lady, for my curse.CONSTANCEFTLN 1102And for mine, too. When law can do no right,FTLN 1103Let it be lawful that law bar no wrong.FTLN 1104Law cannot give my child his kingdom here,FTLN 1105195For he that holds his kingdom holds the law.FTLN 1106Therefore, since law itself is perfect wrong,FTLN 1107How can the law forbid my tongue to curse?PANDULPHFTLN 1108Philip of France, on peril of a curse,FTLN 1109Let go the hand of that arch-heretic,FTLN 1110200And raise the power of France upon his headFTLN 1111Unless he do submit himself to Rome.

91

King John

ACT 3. SC. 1

QUEEN ELEANORFTLN 1112Look’st thou pale, France? Do not let go thy hand.CONSTANCEFTLN 1113Look to that, devil, lest that France repentFTLN 1114And by disjoining hands, hell lose a soul.AUSTRIAFTLN 1115205King Philip, listen to the Cardinal.BASTARDFTLN 1116And hang a calfskin on his recreant limbs.AUSTRIAFTLN 1117Well, ruffian, I must pocket up these wrongs,FTLN 1118Because—BASTARDFTLN 1119Your breeches best may carry them.KING JOHNFTLN 1120210Philip, what sayst thou to the Cardinal?CONSTANCEFTLN 1121What should he say, but as the Cardinal?DAUPHINFTLN 1122Bethink you, father, for the differenceFTLN 1123Is purchase of a heavy curse from Rome,FTLN 1124Or the light loss of England for a friend.FTLN 1125215Forgo the easier.BLANCHEFTLN 1126That’s the curse of Rome.CONSTANCEFTLN 1127O Louis, stand fast! The devil tempts thee hereFTLN 1128In likeness of a new untrimmèd bride.BLANCHEFTLN 1129The Lady Constance speaks not from her faith,FTLN 1130220But from her need.CONSTANCE, to King PhilipFTLN 1131O, if thou grant my need,FTLN 1132Which only lives but by the death of faith,FTLN 1133That need must needs infer this principle:FTLN 1134That faith would live again by death of need.FTLN 1135225O, then tread down my need, and faith mounts up;FTLN 1136Keep my need up, and faith is trodden down.

93

King John

ACT 3. SC. 1

KING JOHNFTLN 1137The King is moved, and answers not to this.CONSTANCE, to King PhilipFTLN 1138O, be removed from him, and answer well!AUSTRIAFTLN 1139Do so, King Philip. Hang no more in doubt.BASTARDFTLN 1140230Hang nothing but a calfskin, most sweet lout.KING PHILIPFTLN 1141I am perplexed and know not what to say.PANDULPHFTLN 1142What canst thou say but will perplex thee more,FTLN 1143If thou stand excommunicate and cursed?KING PHILIPFTLN 1144Good reverend father, make my person yours,FTLN 1145235And tell me how you would bestow yourself.FTLN 1146This royal hand and mine are newly knit,FTLN 1147And the conjunction of our inward soulsFTLN 1148Married, in league, coupled, and linked togetherFTLN 1149With all religious strength of sacred vows.FTLN 1150240The latest breath that gave the sound of wordsFTLN 1151Was deep-sworn faith, peace, amity, true loveFTLN 1152Between our kingdoms and our royal selves;FTLN 1153And even before this truce, but new before,FTLN 1154No longer than we well could wash our handsFTLN 1155245To clap this royal bargain up of peace,FTLN 1156God knows they were besmeared and overstainedFTLN 1157With slaughter’s pencil, where revenge did paintFTLN 1158The fearful difference of incensèd kings.FTLN 1159And shall these hands, so lately purged of blood,FTLN 1160250So newly joined in love, so strong in both,FTLN 1161Unyoke this seizure and this kind regreet?FTLN 1162Play fast and loose with faith? So jest with heaven?FTLN 1163Make such unconstant children of ourselvesFTLN 1164As now again to snatch our palm from palm,

95

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ACT 3. SC. 1

FTLN 1165255Unswear faith sworn, and on the marriage bedFTLN 1166Of smiling peace to march a bloody hostFTLN 1167And make a riot on the gentle browFTLN 1168Of true sincerity? O holy sir,FTLN 1169My reverend father, let it not be so!FTLN 1170260Out of your grace, devise, ordain, imposeFTLN 1171Some gentle order, and then we shall be blestFTLN 1172To do your pleasure and continue friends.PANDULPHFTLN 1173All form is formless, order orderless,FTLN 1174Save what is opposite to England’s love.FTLN 1175265Therefore to arms! Be champion of our Church,FTLN 1176Or let the Church, our mother, breathe her curse,FTLN 1177A mother’s curse, on her revolting son.FTLN 1178France, thou mayst hold a serpent by the tongue,FTLN 1179A chafèd lion by the mortal paw,FTLN 1180270A fasting tiger safer by the tooth,FTLN 1181Than keep in peace that hand which thou dost hold.KING PHILIPFTLN 1182I may disjoin my hand, but not my faith.PANDULPHFTLN 1183So mak’st thou faith an enemy to faith,FTLN 1184And like a civil war sett’st oath to oath,FTLN 1185275Thy tongue against thy tongue. O, let thy vowFTLN 1186First made to God, first be to God performed,FTLN 1187That is, to be the champion of our Church!FTLN 1188What since thou swor’st is sworn against thyselfFTLN 1189And may not be performèd by thyself,FTLN 1190280For that which thou hast sworn to do amissFTLN 1191Is not amiss when it is truly done;FTLN 1192And being not done where doing tends to ill,FTLN 1193The truth is then most done not doing it.FTLN 1194The better act of purposes mistookFTLN 1195285Is to mistake again; though indirect,FTLN 1196Yet indirection thereby grows direct,

FTLN 1230320Which till this time my tongue did ne’er pronounce,FTLN 1231Upon my knee I beg, go not to armsFTLN 1232Against mine uncle.CONSTANCE, kneelingFTLN 1233O, upon my kneeFTLN 1234Made hard with kneeling, I do pray to thee,FTLN 1235325Thou virtuous Dauphin, alter not the doomFTLN 1236Forethought by heaven!BLANCHE, to DauphinFTLN 1237Now shall I see thy love. What motive mayFTLN 1238Be stronger with thee than the name of wife?CONSTANCEFTLN 1239That which upholdeth him that thee upholds,FTLN 1240330His honor.—O, thine honor, Louis, thine honor!DAUPHIN, to King PhilipFTLN 1241I muse your Majesty doth seem so cold,FTLN 1242When such profound respects do pull you on.PANDULPHFTLN 1243I will denounce a curse upon his head.KING PHILIP, dropping King John’s handFTLN 1244Thou shalt not need.—England, I will fall fromFTLN 1245335thee.CONSTANCE, risingFTLN 1246O, fair return of banished majesty!QUEEN ELEANORFTLN 1247O, foul revolt of French inconstancy!KING JOHNFTLN 1248France, thou shalt rue this hour within this hour.BASTARDFTLN 1249Old Time the clock-setter, that bald sexton Time,FTLN 1250340Is it as he will? Well, then, France shall rue.BLANCHE, risingFTLN 1251The sun’s o’ercast with blood. Fair day, adieu.FTLN 1252Which is the side that I must go withal?FTLN 1253I am with both, each army hath a hand,

FTLN 129815If ever I remember to be holy,FTLN 1299For your fair safety. So I kiss your hand.QUEEN ELEANORFTLN 1300Farewell, gentle cousin.KING JOHNFTLN 1301Coz, farewell.Bastard exits.QUEEN ELEANOR, to ArthurFTLN 1302Come hither, little kinsman. Hark, a word.They walk aside.KING JOHNFTLN 130320Come hither, Hubert.He takes Hubert aside.FTLN 1304O, my gentle Hubert,FTLN 1305We owe thee much. Within this wall of fleshFTLN 1306There is a soul counts thee her creditor,FTLN 1307And with advantage means to pay thy love.FTLN 130825And, my good friend, thy voluntary oathFTLN 1309Lives in this bosom dearly cherishèd.FTLN 1310Give me thy hand. I had a thing to say,FTLN 1311But I will fit it with some better tune.FTLN 1312By heaven, Hubert, I am almost ashamedFTLN 131330To say what good respect I have of thee.HUBERTFTLN 1314I am much bounden to your Majesty.KING JOHNFTLN 1315Good friend, thou hast no cause to say so yet,FTLN 1316But thou shalt have. And, creep time ne’er so slow,FTLN 1317Yet it shall come for me to do thee good.FTLN 131835I had a thing to say—but let it go.FTLN 1319The sun is in the heaven, and the proud day,FTLN 1320Attended with the pleasures of the world,FTLN 1321Is all too wanton and too full of gaudsFTLN 1322To give me audience. If the midnight bellFTLN 132340Did with his iron tongue and brazen mouthFTLN 1324Sound on into the drowsy race of night;FTLN 1325If this same were a churchyard where we stand,FTLN 1326And thou possessèd with a thousand wrongs;

KING PHILIPFTLN 1367So, by a roaring tempest on the flood,FTLN 1368A whole armada of convicted sailFTLN 1369Is scattered and disjoined from fellowship.PANDULPHFTLN 1370Courage and comfort. All shall yet go well.KING PHILIPFTLN 13715What can go well when we have run so ill?FTLN 1372Are we not beaten? Is not Angiers lost?FTLN 1373Arthur ta’en prisoner? Divers dear friends slain?FTLN 1374And bloody England into England gone,FTLN 1375O’erbearing interruption, spite of France?DAUPHINFTLN 137610What he hath won, that hath he fortified.FTLN 1377So hot a speed, with such advice disposed,FTLN 1378Such temperate order in so fierce a cause,FTLN 1379Doth want example. Who hath read or heardFTLN 1380Of any kindred action like to this?KING PHILIPFTLN 138115Well could I bear that England had this praise,FTLN 1382So we could find some pattern of our shame.

Enter Constance, with her hair unbound.

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ACT 3. SC. 4

FTLN 1383Look who comes here! A grave unto a soul,FTLN 1384Holding th’ eternal spirit against her willFTLN 1385In the vile prison of afflicted breath.—FTLN 138620I prithee, lady, go away with me.CONSTANCEFTLN 1387Lo, now, now see the issue of your peace!KING PHILIPFTLN 1388Patience, good lady. Comfort, gentle Constance.CONSTANCEFTLN 1389No, I defy all counsel, all redress,FTLN 1390But that which ends all counsel, true redress.FTLN 139125Death, death, O amiable, lovely death,FTLN 1392Thou odoriferous stench, sound rottenness,FTLN 1393Arise forth from the couch of lasting night,FTLN 1394Thou hate and terror to prosperity,FTLN 1395And I will kiss thy detestable bonesFTLN 139630And put my eyeballs in thy vaulty brows,FTLN 1397And ring these fingers with thy household worms,FTLN 1398And stop this gap of breath with fulsome dust,FTLN 1399And be a carrion monster like thyself.FTLN 1400Come, grin on me, and I will think thou smil’st,FTLN 140135And buss thee as thy wife. Misery’s love,FTLN 1402O, come to me!KING PHILIPFTLN 1403O fair affliction, peace!CONSTANCEFTLN 1404No, no, I will not, having breath to cry.FTLN 1405O, that my tongue were in the thunder’s mouth!FTLN 140640Then with a passion would I shake the worldFTLN 1407And rouse from sleep that fell anatomyFTLN 1408Which cannot hear a lady’s feeble voice,FTLN 1409Which scorns a modern invocation.PANDULPHFTLN 1410Lady, you utter madness and not sorrow.CONSTANCEFTLN 141145Thou art not holy to belie me so.FTLN 1412I am not mad. This hair I tear is mine;

113

King John

ACT 3. SC. 4

FTLN 1413My name is Constance; I was Geoffrey’s wife;FTLN 1414Young Arthur is my son, and he is lost.FTLN 1415I am not mad; I would to heaven I were,FTLN 141650For then ’tis like I should forget myself.FTLN 1417O, if I could, what grief should I forget!FTLN 1418Preach some philosophy to make me mad,FTLN 1419And thou shalt be canonized, cardinal.FTLN 1420For, being not mad but sensible of grief,FTLN 142155My reasonable part produces reasonFTLN 1422How I may be delivered of these woes,FTLN 1423And teaches me to kill or hang myself.FTLN 1424If I were mad, I should forget my son,FTLN 1425Or madly think a babe of clouts were he.FTLN 142660I am not mad. Too well, too well I feelFTLN 1427The different plague of each calamity.KING PHILIPFTLN 1428Bind up those tresses.—O, what love I noteFTLN 1429In the fair multitude of those her hairs;FTLN 1430Where but by chance a silver drop hath fall’n,FTLN 143165Even to that drop ten thousand wiry friendsFTLN 1432Do glue themselves in sociable grief,FTLN 1433Like true, inseparable, faithful loves,FTLN 1434Sticking together in calamity.CONSTANCEFTLN 1435To England, if you will.KING PHILIPFTLN 143670Bind up your hairs.CONSTANCEFTLN 1437Yes, that I will. And wherefore will I do it?FTLN 1438I tore them from their bonds and cried aloudFTLN 1439“O, that these hands could so redeem my son,FTLN 1440As they have given these hairs their liberty!”FTLN 144175But now I envy at their liberty,FTLN 1442And will again commit them to their bonds,FTLN 1443Because my poor child is a prisoner.She binds up her hair.

115

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ACT 3. SC. 4

FTLN 1444And father cardinal, I have heard you sayFTLN 1445That we shall see and know our friends in heaven.FTLN 144680If that be true, I shall see my boy again;FTLN 1447For since the birth of Cain, the first male child,FTLN 1448To him that did but yesterday suspire,FTLN 1449There was not such a gracious creature born.FTLN 1450But now will canker sorrow eat my budFTLN 145185And chase the native beauty from his cheek,FTLN 1452And he will look as hollow as a ghost,FTLN 1453As dim and meager as an ague’s fit,FTLN 1454And so he’ll die; and, rising so again,FTLN 1455When I shall meet him in the court of heavenFTLN 145690I shall not know him. Therefore never, neverFTLN 1457Must I behold my pretty Arthur more.PANDULPHFTLN 1458You hold too heinous a respect of grief.CONSTANCEFTLN 1459He talks to me that never had a son.KING PHILIPFTLN 1460You are as fond of grief as of your child.CONSTANCEFTLN 146195Grief fills the room up of my absent child,FTLN 1462Lies in his bed, walks up and down with me,FTLN 1463Puts on his pretty looks, repeats his words,FTLN 1464Remembers me of all his gracious parts,FTLN 1465Stuffs out his vacant garments with his form;FTLN 1466100Then, have I reason to be fond of grief?FTLN 1467Fare you well. Had you such a loss as I,FTLN 1468I could give better comfort than you do.She unbinds her hair.FTLN 1469I will not keep this form upon my headFTLN 1470When there is such disorder in my wit.FTLN 1471105O Lord! My boy, my Arthur, my fair son,FTLN 1472My life, my joy, my food, my all the world,FTLN 1473My widow-comfort and my sorrows’ cure!She exits.

117

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ACT 3. SC. 4

KING PHILIPFTLN 1474I fear some outrage, and I’ll follow her.He exits, with Attendants.DAUPHINFTLN 1475There’s nothing in this world can make me joy.FTLN 1476110Life is as tedious as a twice-told tale,FTLN 1477Vexing the dull ear of a drowsy man;FTLN 1478And bitter shame hath spoiled the sweet world’sFTLN 1479taste,FTLN 1480That it yields naught but shame and bitterness.PANDULPHFTLN 1481115Before the curing of a strong disease,FTLN 1482Even in the instant of repair and health,FTLN 1483The fit is strongest. Evils that take leaveFTLN 1484On their departure most of all show evil.FTLN 1485What have you lost by losing of this day?DAUPHINFTLN 1486120All days of glory, joy, and happiness.PANDULPHFTLN 1487If you had won it, certainly you had.FTLN 1488No, no. When Fortune means to men most good,FTLN 1489She looks upon them with a threat’ning eye.FTLN 1490’Tis strange to think how much King John hath lostFTLN 1491125In this which he accounts so clearly won.FTLN 1492Are not you grieved that Arthur is his prisoner?DAUPHINFTLN 1493As heartily as he is glad he hath him.PANDULPHFTLN 1494Your mind is all as youthful as your blood.FTLN 1495Now hear me speak with a prophetic spirit.FTLN 1496130For even the breath of what I mean to speakFTLN 1497Shall blow each dust, each straw, each little rub,FTLN 1498Out of the path which shall directly leadFTLN 1499Thy foot to England’s throne. And therefore mark:FTLN 1500John hath seized Arthur, and it cannot beFTLN 1501135That, whiles warm life plays in that infant’s veins,

119

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ACT 3. SC. 4

FTLN 1502The misplaced John should entertain an hour,FTLN 1503One minute, nay, one quiet breath of rest.FTLN 1504A scepter snatched with an unruly handFTLN 1505Must be as boisterously maintained as gained.FTLN 1506140And he that stands upon a slipp’ry placeFTLN 1507Makes nice of no vile hold to stay him up.FTLN 1508That John may stand, then Arthur needs must fall.FTLN 1509So be it, for it cannot be but so.DAUPHINFTLN 1510But what shall I gain by young Arthur’s fall?PANDULPHFTLN 1511145You, in the right of Lady Blanche your wife,FTLN 1512May then make all the claim that Arthur did.DAUPHINFTLN 1513And lose it, life and all, as Arthur did.PANDULPHFTLN 1514How green you are and fresh in this old world!FTLN 1515John lays you plots. The times conspire with you,FTLN 1516150For he that steeps his safety in true bloodFTLN 1517Shall find but bloody safety, and untrue.FTLN 1518This act so evilly borne shall cool the heartsFTLN 1519Of all his people and freeze up their zeal,FTLN 1520That none so small advantage shall step forthFTLN 1521155To check his reign but they will cherish it.FTLN 1522No natural exhalation in the sky,FTLN 1523No scope of nature, no distempered day,FTLN 1524No common wind, no customèd event,FTLN 1525But they will pluck away his natural causeFTLN 1526160And call them meteors, prodigies, and signs,FTLN 1527Abortives, presages, and tongues of heaven,FTLN 1528Plainly denouncing vengeance upon John.DAUPHINFTLN 1529Maybe he will not touch young Arthur’s life,FTLN 1530But hold himself safe in his prisonment.PANDULPHFTLN 1531165O, sir, when he shall hear of your approach,

121

King John

ACT 3. SC. 4

FTLN 1532If that young Arthur be not gone already,FTLN 1533Even at that news he dies; and then the heartsFTLN 1534Of all his people shall revolt from himFTLN 1535And kiss the lips of unacquainted change,FTLN 1536170And pick strong matter of revolt and wrathFTLN 1537Out of the bloody fingers’ ends of John.FTLN 1538Methinks I see this hurly all on foot;FTLN 1539And, O, what better matter breeds for youFTLN 1540Than I have named! The bastard FaulconbridgeFTLN 1541175Is now in England ransacking the Church,FTLN 1542Offending charity. If but a dozen FrenchFTLN 1543Were there in arms, they would be as a callFTLN 1544To train ten thousand English to their side,FTLN 1545Or as a little snow, tumbled about,FTLN 1546180Anon becomes a mountain. O noble dauphin,FTLN 1547Go with me to the King. ’Tis wonderfulFTLN 1548What may be wrought out of their discontent,FTLN 1549Now that their souls are topful of offense.FTLN 1550For England, go. I will whet on the King.DAUPHINFTLN 1551185Strong reasons makes strange actions. Let us go.FTLN 1552If you say ay, the King will not say no.They exit.

ACT 4

Scene 1

Enter Hubert and Executioners, with irons and rope.

HUBERTFTLN 1553Heat me these irons hot, and look thou standFTLN 1554Within the arras. When I strike my footFTLN 1555Upon the bosom of the ground, rush forthFTLN 1556And bind the boy which you shall find with meFTLN 15575Fast to the chair. Be heedful. Hence, and watch.EXECUTIONERFTLN 1558I hope your warrant will bear out the deed.HUBERTFTLN 1559Uncleanly scruples fear not you. Look to ’t.Executioners exit.FTLN 1560Young lad, come forth. I have to say with you.

Enter Arthur.

ARTHURFTLN 1561Good morrow, Hubert.HUBERTFTLN 156210Good morrow, little prince.ARTHURFTLN 1563As little prince, having so great a titleFTLN 1564To be more prince, as may be. You are sad.HUBERTFTLN 1565Indeed, I have been merrier.ARTHURFTLN 1566Mercy on me!

125

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ACT 4. SC. 1

FTLN 156715Methinks nobody should be sad but I.FTLN 1568Yet I remember, when I was in France,FTLN 1569Young gentlemen would be as sad as nightFTLN 1570Only for wantonness. By my christendom,FTLN 1571So I were out of prison and kept sheep,FTLN 157220I should be as merry as the day is long.FTLN 1573And so I would be here but that I doubtFTLN 1574My uncle practices more harm to me.FTLN 1575He is afraid of me, and I of him.FTLN 1576Is it my fault that I was Geoffrey’s son?FTLN 157725No, indeed, is ’t not. And I would to heavenFTLN 1578I were your son, so you would love me, Hubert.HUBERT, asideFTLN 1579If I talk to him, with his innocent prateFTLN 1580He will awake my mercy, which lies dead.FTLN 1581Therefore I will be sudden and dispatch.ARTHURFTLN 158230Are you sick, Hubert? You look pale today.FTLN 1583In sooth, I would you were a little sickFTLN 1584That I might sit all night and watch with you.FTLN 1585I warrant I love you more than you do me.HUBERT, asideFTLN 1586His words do take possession of my bosom.He shows Arthur a paper.FTLN 158735Read here, young Arthur.(Aside.) How now,FTLN 1588foolish rheum?FTLN 1589Turning dispiteous torture out of door?FTLN 1590I must be brief lest resolution dropFTLN 1591Out at mine eyes in tender womanish tears.—FTLN 159240Can you not read it? Is it not fair writ?ARTHURFTLN 1593Too fairly, Hubert, for so foul effect.FTLN 1594Must you with hot irons burn out both mine eyes?HUBERTFTLN 1595Young boy, I must.

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ACT 4. SC. 1

ARTHURFTLN 1596And will you?HUBERTFTLN 159745And I will.ARTHURFTLN 1598Have you the heart? When your head did but ache,FTLN 1599I knit my handkercher about your brows—FTLN 1600The best I had, a princess wrought it me—FTLN 1601And I did never ask it you again;FTLN 160250And with my hand at midnight held your head,FTLN 1603And like the watchful minutes to the hourFTLN 1604Still and anon cheered up the heavy time,FTLN 1605Saying “What lack you?” and “Where lies yourFTLN 1606grief?”FTLN 160755Or “What good love may I perform for you?”FTLN 1608Many a poor man’s son would have lien stillFTLN 1609And ne’er have spoke a loving word to you;FTLN 1610But you at your sick service had a prince.FTLN 1611Nay, you may think my love was crafty love,FTLN 161260And call it cunning. Do, an if you will.FTLN 1613If heaven be pleased that you must use me ill,FTLN 1614Why then you must. Will you put out mine eyes—FTLN 1615These eyes that never did nor never shallFTLN 1616So much as frown on you?HUBERTFTLN 161765I have sworn to do it.FTLN 1618And with hot irons must I burn them out.ARTHURFTLN 1619Ah, none but in this Iron Age would do it.FTLN 1620The iron of itself, though heat red-hot,FTLN 1621Approaching near these eyes, would drink my tearsFTLN 162270And quench this fiery indignationFTLN 1623Even in the matter of mine innocence;FTLN 1624Nay, after that, consume away in rustFTLN 1625But for containing fire to harm mine eye.FTLN 1626Are you more stubborn-hard than hammered iron?FTLN 162775An if an angel should have come to meFTLN 1628And told me Hubert should put out mine eyes,

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ACT 4. SC. 1

FTLN 1629I would not have believed him. No tongue butFTLN 1630Hubert’s.HUBERTstamps his foot and callsFTLN 1631Come forth.

Enter Executioners with ropes, a heated iron, and abrazier of burning coals.

FTLN 163280Do as I bid you do.ARTHURFTLN 1633O, save me, Hubert, save me! My eyes are outFTLN 1634Even with the fierce looks of these bloody men.HUBERTFTLN 1635Give me the iron, I say, and bind him here.He takes the iron.ARTHURFTLN 1636Alas, what need you be so boist’rous-rough?FTLN 163785I will not struggle; I will stand stone-still.FTLN 1638For God’s sake, Hubert, let me not be bound!FTLN 1639Nay, hear me, Hubert! Drive these men away,FTLN 1640And I will sit as quiet as a lamb.FTLN 1641I will not stir nor wince nor speak a wordFTLN 164290Nor look upon the iron angerly.FTLN 1643Thrust but these men away, and I’ll forgive you,FTLN 1644Whatever torment you do put me to.HUBERT, to ExecutionersFTLN 1645Go stand within. Let me alone with him.EXECUTIONERFTLN 1646I am best pleased to be from such a deed.Executioners exit.ARTHURFTLN 164795Alas, I then have chid away my friend!FTLN 1648He hath a stern look but a gentle heart.FTLN 1649Let him come back, that his compassion mayFTLN 1650Give life to yours.HUBERTFTLN 1651Come, boy, prepare yourself.ARTHURFTLN 1652100Is there no remedy?

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ACT 4. SC. 1

HUBERTFTLN 1653None but to lose your eyes.ARTHURFTLN 1654O God, that there were but a mote in yours,FTLN 1655A grain, a dust, a gnat, a wandering hair,FTLN 1656Any annoyance in that precious sense.FTLN 1657105Then, feeling what small things are boisterousFTLN 1658there,FTLN 1659Your vile intent must needs seem horrible.HUBERTFTLN 1660Is this your promise? Go to, hold your tongue.ARTHURFTLN 1661Hubert, the utterance of a brace of tonguesFTLN 1662110Must needs want pleading for a pair of eyes.FTLN 1663Let me not hold my tongue. Let me not, Hubert,FTLN 1664Or, Hubert, if you will, cut out my tongue,FTLN 1665So I may keep mine eyes. O, spare mine eyes,FTLN 1666Though to no use but still to look on you.He seizes the iron.FTLN 1667115Lo, by my troth, the instrument is cold,FTLN 1668And would not harm me.HUBERT, taking back the ironFTLN 1669I can heat it, boy.ARTHURFTLN 1670No, in good sooth. The fire is dead with grief,FTLN 1671Being create for comfort, to be usedFTLN 1672120In undeserved extremes. See else yourself.FTLN 1673There is no malice in this burning coal.FTLN 1674The breath of heaven hath blown his spirit outFTLN 1675And strewed repentant ashes on his head.HUBERTFTLN 1676But with my breath I can revive it, boy.ARTHURFTLN 1677125An if you do, you will but make it blushFTLN 1678And glow with shame of your proceedings, Hubert.FTLN 1679Nay, it perchance will sparkle in your eyes,

135

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ACT 4. SC. 2

FTLN 1680And, like a dog that is compelled to fight,FTLN 1681Snatch at his master that doth tar him on.FTLN 1682130All things that you should use to do me wrongFTLN 1683Deny their office. Only you do lackFTLN 1684That mercy which fierce fire and iron extends,FTLN 1685Creatures of note for mercy-lacking uses.HUBERTFTLN 1686Well, see to live. I will not touch thine eyeFTLN 1687135For all the treasure that thine uncle owes.FTLN 1688Yet am I sworn, and I did purpose, boy,FTLN 1689With this same very iron to burn them out.ARTHURFTLN 1690O, now you look like Hubert. All this whileFTLN 1691You were disguisèd.HUBERTFTLN 1692140Peace. No more. Adieu.FTLN 1693Your uncle must not know but you are dead.FTLN 1694I’ll fill these doggèd spies with false reports.FTLN 1695And, pretty child, sleep doubtless and secureFTLN 1696That Hubert, for the wealth of all the world,FTLN 1697145Will not offend thee.ARTHURFTLN 1698O heaven! I thank you, Hubert.HUBERTFTLN 1699Silence. No more. Go closely in with me.FTLN 1700Much danger do I undergo for thee.They exit.

Scene 2

Enter King John, Pembroke, Salisbury, and otherLords. King John ascends the throne.

KING JOHNFTLN 1701Here once again we sit, once again crownedFTLN 1702And looked upon, I hope, with cheerful eyes.PEMBROKEFTLN 1703This “once again,” but that your Highness pleased,

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ACT 4. SC. 2

FTLN 1704Was once superfluous. You were crowned before,FTLN 17055And that high royalty was ne’er plucked off,FTLN 1706The faiths of men ne’er stainèd with revolt;FTLN 1707Fresh expectation troubled not the landFTLN 1708With any longed-for change or better state.SALISBURYFTLN 1709Therefore, to be possessed with double pomp,FTLN 171010To guard a title that was rich before,FTLN 1711To gild refinèd gold, to paint the lily,FTLN 1712To throw a perfume on the violet,FTLN 1713To smooth the ice or add another hueFTLN 1714Unto the rainbow, or with taper-lightFTLN 171515To seek the beauteous eye of heaven to garnish,FTLN 1716Is wasteful and ridiculous excess.PEMBROKEFTLN 1717But that your royal pleasure must be done,FTLN 1718This act is as an ancient tale new told,FTLN 1719And, in the last repeating, troublesome,FTLN 172020Being urgèd at a time unseasonable.SALISBURYFTLN 1721In this the antique and well-noted faceFTLN 1722Of plain old form is much disfigurèd,FTLN 1723And like a shifted wind unto a sail,FTLN 1724It makes the course of thoughts to fetch about,FTLN 172525Startles and frights consideration,FTLN 1726Makes sound opinion sick and truth suspectedFTLN 1727For putting on so new a fashioned robe.PEMBROKEFTLN 1728When workmen strive to do better than well,FTLN 1729They do confound their skill in covetousness,FTLN 173030And oftentimes excusing of a faultFTLN 1731Doth make the fault the worse by th’ excuse,FTLN 1732As patches set upon a little breachFTLN 1733Discredit more in hiding of the faultFTLN 1734Than did the fault before it was so patched.

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ACT 4. SC. 2

SALISBURYFTLN 173535To this effect, before you were new-crowned,FTLN 1736We breathed our counsel; but it pleased yourFTLN 1737HighnessFTLN 1738To overbear it, and we are all well pleased,FTLN 1739Since all and every part of what we wouldFTLN 174040Doth make a stand at what your Highness will.KING JOHNFTLN 1741Some reasons of this double coronationFTLN 1742I have possessed you with, and think them strong;FTLN 1743And more, more strong, when lesser is my fear,FTLN 1744I shall endue you with. Meantime, but askFTLN 174545What you would have reformed that is not well,FTLN 1746And well shall you perceive how willinglyFTLN 1747I will both hear and grant you your requests.PEMBROKEFTLN 1748Then I, as one that am the tongue of theseFTLN 1749To sound the purposes of all their hearts,FTLN 175050Both for myself and them, but chief of allFTLN 1751Your safety, for the which myself and themFTLN 1752Bend their best studies, heartily requestFTLN 1753Th’ enfranchisement of Arthur, whose restraintFTLN 1754Doth move the murmuring lips of discontentFTLN 175555To break into this dangerous argument:FTLN 1756If what in rest you have in right you hold,FTLN 1757Why then your fears, which, as they say, attendFTLN 1758The steps of wrong, should move you to mew upFTLN 1759Your tender kinsman and to choke his daysFTLN 176060With barbarous ignorance and deny his youthFTLN 1761The rich advantage of good exercise.FTLN 1762That the time’s enemies may not have thisFTLN 1763To grace occasions, let it be our suitFTLN 1764That you have bid us ask, his liberty,FTLN 176565Which for our goods we do no further askFTLN 1766Than whereupon our weal, on you depending,FTLN 1767Counts it your weal he have his liberty.

141

King John

ACT 4. SC. 2

KING JOHNFTLN 1768Let it be so. I do commit his youthFTLN 1769To your direction.

Enter Hubert.

FTLN 177070Hubert, what news with you?King John and Hubert talk aside.PEMBROKEFTLN 1771This is the man should do the bloody deed.FTLN 1772He showed his warrant to a friend of mine.FTLN 1773The image of a wicked heinous faultFTLN 1774Lives in his eye. That close aspect of hisFTLN 177575Doth show the mood of a much troubled breast,FTLN 1776And I do fearfully believe ’tis doneFTLN 1777What we so feared he had a charge to do.SALISBURYFTLN 1778The color of the King doth come and goFTLN 1779Between his purpose and his conscience,FTLN 178080Like heralds ’twixt two dreadful battles set.FTLN 1781His passion is so ripe it needs must break.PEMBROKEFTLN 1782And when it breaks, I fear will issue thenceFTLN 1783The foul corruption of a sweet child’s death.KING JOHN, coming forward with HubertFTLN 1784We cannot hold mortality’s strong hand.—FTLN 178585Good lords, although my will to give is living,FTLN 1786The suit which you demand is gone and dead.FTLN 1787He tells us Arthur is deceased tonight.SALISBURYFTLN 1788Indeed, we feared his sickness was past cure.PEMBROKEFTLN 1789Indeed, we heard how near his death he wasFTLN 179090Before the child himself felt he was sick.FTLN 1791This must be answered either here or hence.KING JOHNFTLN 1792Why do you bend such solemn brows on me?

143

King John

ACT 4. SC. 2

FTLN 1793Think you I bear the shears of destiny?FTLN 1794Have I commandment on the pulse of life?SALISBURYFTLN 179595It is apparent foul play, and ’tis shameFTLN 1796That greatness should so grossly offer it.FTLN 1797So thrive it in your game, and so farewell.PEMBROKEFTLN 1798Stay yet, Lord Salisbury. I’ll go with theeFTLN 1799And find th’ inheritance of this poor child,FTLN 1800100His little kingdom of a forcèd grave.FTLN 1801That blood which owed the breadth of all this isle,FTLN 1802Three foot of it doth hold. Bad world the while!FTLN 1803This must not be thus borne; this will break outFTLN 1804To all our sorrows, and ere long, I doubt.Pembroke, Salisbury, and other Lords exit.KING JOHNFTLN 1805105They burn in indignation. I repent.FTLN 1806There is no sure foundation set on blood,FTLN 1807No certain life achieved by others’ death.

Enter Messenger.

FTLN 1808A fearful eye thou hast. Where is that bloodFTLN 1809That I have seen inhabit in those cheeks?FTLN 1810110So foul a sky clears not without a storm.FTLN 1811Pour down thy weather: how goes all in France?MESSENGERFTLN 1812From France to England. Never such a powerFTLN 1813For any foreign preparationFTLN 1814Was levied in the body of a land.FTLN 1815115The copy of your speed is learned by them,FTLN 1816For when you should be told they do prepare,FTLN 1817The tidings comes that they are all arrived.KING JOHNFTLN 1818O, where hath our intelligence been drunk?FTLN 1819Where hath it slept? Where is my mother’s care,

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ACT 4. SC. 2

FTLN 1820120That such an army could be drawn in FranceFTLN 1821And she not hear of it?MESSENGERFTLN 1822My liege, her earFTLN 1823Is stopped with dust. The first of April diedFTLN 1824Your noble mother. And as I hear, my lord,FTLN 1825125The Lady Constance in a frenzy diedFTLN 1826Three days before. But this from rumor’s tongueFTLN 1827I idly heard. If true or false, I know not.KING JOHN, asideFTLN 1828Withhold thy speed, dreadful occasion!FTLN 1829O, make a league with me till I have pleasedFTLN 1830130My discontented peers. What? Mother dead?FTLN 1831How wildly then walks my estate in France!—FTLN 1832Under whose conduct came those powers of FranceFTLN 1833That thou for truth giv’st out are landed here?MESSENGERFTLN 1834Under the Dauphin.KING JOHNFTLN 1835135Thou hast made me giddyFTLN 1836With these ill tidings.

Enter Bastard and Peter of Pomfret.

To Bastard.FTLN 1837Now, what says the worldFTLN 1838To your proceedings? Do not seek to stuffFTLN 1839My head with more ill news, for it is full.BASTARDFTLN 1840140But if you be afeard to hear the worst,FTLN 1841Then let the worst, unheard, fall on your head.KING JOHNFTLN 1842Bear with me, cousin, for I was amazedFTLN 1843Under the tide, but now I breathe againFTLN 1844Aloft the flood and can give audienceFTLN 1845145To any tongue, speak it of what it will.BASTARDFTLN 1846How I have sped among the clergymenFTLN 1847The sums I have collected shall express.

147

King John

ACT 4. SC. 2

FTLN 1848But as I traveled hither through the land,FTLN 1849I find the people strangely fantasied,FTLN 1850150Possessed with rumors, full of idle dreams,FTLN 1851Not knowing what they fear, but full of fear.FTLN 1852And here’s a prophet that I brought with meFTLN 1853From forth the streets of Pomfret, whom I foundFTLN 1854With many hundreds treading on his heels,FTLN 1855155To whom he sung in rude harsh-sounding rhymesFTLN 1856That ere the next Ascension Day at noon,FTLN 1857Your Highness should deliver up your crown.KING JOHN, to PeterFTLN 1858Thou idle dreamer, wherefore didst thou so?PETERFTLN 1859Foreknowing that the truth will fall out so.KING JOHNFTLN 1860160Hubert, away with him! Imprison him.FTLN 1861And on that day at noon, whereon he saysFTLN 1862I shall yield up my crown, let him be hanged.FTLN 1863Deliver him to safety and return,FTLN 1864For I must use thee.Hubert and Peter exit.FTLN 1865165O my gentle cousin,FTLN 1866Hear’st thou the news abroad, who are arrived?BASTARDFTLN 1867The French, my lord. Men’s mouths are full of it.FTLN 1868Besides, I met Lord Bigot and Lord SalisburyFTLN 1869With eyes as red as new-enkindled fire,FTLN 1870170And others more, going to seek the graveFTLN 1871Of Arthur, whom they say is killed tonightFTLN 1872On your suggestion.KING JOHNFTLN 1873Gentle kinsman, goFTLN 1874And thrust thyself into their companies.FTLN 1875175I have a way to win their loves again.FTLN 1876Bring them before me.BASTARDFTLN 1877I will seek them out.KING JOHNFTLN 1878Nay, but make haste, the better foot before!

HUBERTFTLN 1892My lord, they say five moons were seen tonight—FTLN 1893Four fixèd, and the fifth did whirl aboutFTLN 1894The other four in wondrous motion.KING JOHNFTLN 1895195Five moons!HUBERTFTLN 1896Old men and beldams in the streetsFTLN 1897Do prophesy upon it dangerously.FTLN 1898Young Arthur’s death is common in their mouths,FTLN 1899And when they talk of him, they shake their headsFTLN 1900200And whisper one another in the ear,FTLN 1901And he that speaks doth grip the hearer’s wrist,FTLN 1902Whilst he that hears makes fearful actionFTLN 1903With wrinkled brows, with nods, with rolling eyes.FTLN 1904I saw a smith stand with his hammer, thus,FTLN 1905205The whilst his iron did on the anvil cool,

151

King John

ACT 4. SC. 2

FTLN 1906With open mouth swallowing a tailor’s news,FTLN 1907Who with his shears and measure in his hand,FTLN 1908Standing on slippers which his nimble hasteFTLN 1909Had falsely thrust upon contrary feet,FTLN 1910210Told of a many thousand warlike FrenchFTLN 1911That were embattlèd and ranked in Kent.FTLN 1912Another lean, unwashed artificerFTLN 1913Cuts off his tale and talks of Arthur’s death.KING JOHNFTLN 1914Why seek’st thou to possess me with these fears?FTLN 1915215Why urgest thou so oft young Arthur’s death?FTLN 1916Thy hand hath murdered him. I had a mighty causeFTLN 1917To wish him dead, but thou hadst none to kill him.HUBERTFTLN 1918No had, my lord! Why, did you not provoke me?KING JOHNFTLN 1919It is the curse of kings to be attendedFTLN 1920220By slaves that take their humors for a warrantFTLN 1921To break within the bloody house of life,FTLN 1922And on the winking of authorityFTLN 1923To understand a law, to know the meaningFTLN 1924Of dangerous majesty, when perchance it frownsFTLN 1925225More upon humor than advised respect.HUBERT, showing a paperFTLN 1926Here is your hand and seal for what I did.KING JOHNFTLN 1927O, when the last accompt twixt heaven and EarthFTLN 1928Is to be made, then shall this hand and sealFTLN 1929Witness against us to damnation!FTLN 1930230How oft the sight of means to do ill deedsFTLN 1931Make deeds ill done! Hadst not thou been by,FTLN 1932A fellow by the hand of nature marked,FTLN 1933Quoted, and signed to do a deed of shame,FTLN 1934This murder had not come into my mind.FTLN 1935235But taking note of thy abhorred aspect,

153

King John

ACT 4. SC. 2

FTLN 1936Finding thee fit for bloody villainy,FTLN 1937Apt, liable to be employed in danger,FTLN 1938I faintly broke with thee of Arthur’s death;FTLN 1939And thou, to be endearèd to a king,FTLN 1940240Made it no conscience to destroy a prince.HUBERTFTLN 1941My lord—KING JOHNFTLN 1942Hadst thou but shook thy head or made a pauseFTLN 1943When I spake darkly what I purposèd,FTLN 1944Or turned an eye of doubt upon my face,FTLN 1945245As bid me tell my tale in express words,FTLN 1946Deep shame had struck me dumb, made me breakFTLN 1947off,FTLN 1948And those thy fears might have wrought fears in me.FTLN 1949But thou didst understand me by my signsFTLN 1950250And didst in signs again parley with sin,FTLN 1951Yea, without stop didst let thy heart consentFTLN 1952And consequently thy rude hand to actFTLN 1953The deed which both our tongues held vile to name.FTLN 1954Out of my sight, and never see me more.FTLN 1955255My nobles leave me, and my state is braved,FTLN 1956Even at my gates, with ranks of foreign powers.FTLN 1957Nay, in the body of this fleshly land,FTLN 1958This kingdom, this confine of blood and breath,FTLN 1959Hostility and civil tumult reignsFTLN 1960260Between my conscience and my cousin’s death.HUBERTFTLN 1961Arm you against your other enemies.FTLN 1962I’ll make a peace between your soul and you.FTLN 1963Young Arthur is alive. This hand of mineFTLN 1964Is yet a maiden and an innocent hand,FTLN 1965265Not painted with the crimson spots of blood.FTLN 1966Within this bosom never entered yetFTLN 1967The dreadful motion of a murderous thought,FTLN 1968And you have slandered nature in my form,

155

King John

ACT 4. SC. 3

FTLN 1969Which, howsoever rude exteriorly,FTLN 1970270Is yet the cover of a fairer mindFTLN 1971Than to be butcher of an innocent child.KING JOHNFTLN 1972Doth Arthur live? O, haste thee to the peers,FTLN 1973Throw this report on their incensèd rage,FTLN 1974And make them tame to their obedience.FTLN 1975275Forgive the comment that my passion madeFTLN 1976Upon thy feature, for my rage was blind,FTLN 1977And foul imaginary eyes of bloodFTLN 1978Presented thee more hideous than thou art.FTLN 1979O, answer not, but to my closet bringFTLN 1980280The angry lords with all expedient haste.FTLN 1981I conjure thee but slowly; run more fast.They exit.

Scene 3

Enter Arthur on the walls, dressed as a shipboy.

ARTHURFTLN 1982The wall is high, and yet will I leap down.FTLN 1983Good ground, be pitiful and hurt me not.FTLN 1984There’s few or none do know me. If they did,FTLN 1985This shipboy’s semblance hath disguised me quite.FTLN 19865I am afraid, and yet I’ll venture it.FTLN 1987If I get down and do not break my limbs,FTLN 1988I’ll find a thousand shifts to get away.FTLN 1989As good to die and go as die and stay.He jumps.FTLN 1990O me, my uncle’s spirit is in these stones.FTLN 199110Heaven take my soul, and England keep my bones.He dies.

Enter Pembroke, Salisbury with a letter, and Bigot.

SALISBURYFTLN 1992Lords, I will meet him at Saint Edmundsbury;

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ACT 4. SC. 3

FTLN 1993It is our safety, and we must embraceFTLN 1994This gentle offer of the perilous time.PEMBROKEFTLN 1995Who brought that letter from the Cardinal?SALISBURYFTLN 199615The Count Melun, a noble lord of France,FTLN 1997Whose private with me of the Dauphin’s loveFTLN 1998Is much more general than these lines import.BIGOTFTLN 1999Tomorrow morning let us meet him, then.SALISBURYFTLN 2000Or rather then set forward, for ’twill beFTLN 200120Two long days’ journey, lords, or ere we meet.

Enter Bastard.

BASTARDFTLN 2002Once more today well met, distempered lords.FTLN 2003The King by me requests your presence straight.SALISBURYFTLN 2004The King hath dispossessed himself of us.FTLN 2005We will not line his thin bestainèd cloakFTLN 200625With our pure honors, nor attend the footFTLN 2007That leaves the print of blood where’er it walks.FTLN 2008Return, and tell him so. We know the worst.BASTARDFTLN 2009Whate’er you think, good words I think were best.SALISBURYFTLN 2010Our griefs and not our manners reason now.BASTARDFTLN 201130But there is little reason in your grief.FTLN 2012Therefore ’twere reason you had manners now.PEMBROKEFTLN 2013Sir, sir, impatience hath his privilege.BASTARDFTLN 2014’Tis true, to hurt his master, no man’s else.

159

King John

ACT 4. SC. 3

SALISBURYFTLN 2015This is the prison.He sees Arthur’s body.FTLN 201635What is he lies here?PEMBROKEFTLN 2017O Death, made proud with pure and princely beauty!FTLN 2018The Earth had not a hole to hide this deed.SALISBURYFTLN 2019Murder, as hating what himself hath done,FTLN 2020Doth lay it open to urge on revenge.BIGOTFTLN 202140Or when he doomed this beauty to a grave,FTLN 2022Found it too precious-princely for a grave.SALISBURY, to BastardFTLN 2023Sir Richard, what think you? You have beheld.FTLN 2024Or have you read or heard, or could you think,FTLN 2025Or do you almost think, although you see,FTLN 202645That you do see? Could thought, without this object,FTLN 2027Form such another? This is the very top,FTLN 2028The height, the crest, or crest unto the crest,FTLN 2029Of murder’s arms. This is the bloodiest shame,FTLN 2030The wildest savagery, the vilest strokeFTLN 203150That ever wall-eyed wrath or staring rageFTLN 2032Presented to the tears of soft remorse.PEMBROKEFTLN 2033All murders past do stand excused in this.FTLN 2034And this, so sole and so unmatchable,FTLN 2035Shall give a holiness, a purity,FTLN 203655To the yet unbegotten sin of timesFTLN 2037And prove a deadly bloodshed but a jest,FTLN 2038Exampled by this heinous spectacle.BASTARDFTLN 2039It is a damnèd and a bloody work,FTLN 2040The graceless action of a heavy hand,FTLN 204160If that it be the work of any hand.

161

King John

ACT 4. SC. 3

SALISBURYFTLN 2042If that it be the work of any hand?FTLN 2043We had a kind of light what would ensue.FTLN 2044It is the shameful work of Hubert’s hand,FTLN 2045The practice and the purpose of the King,FTLN 204665From whose obedience I forbid my soul,FTLN 2047Kneeling before this ruin of sweet lifeHe kneels.FTLN 2048And breathing to his breathless excellenceFTLN 2049The incense of a vow, a holy vow:FTLN 2050Never to taste the pleasures of the world,FTLN 205170Never to be infected with delight,FTLN 2052Nor conversant with ease and idleness,FTLN 2053Till I have set a glory to this handFTLN 2054By giving it the worship of revenge.PEMBROKE, BIGOT, kneelingFTLN 2055Our souls religiously confirm thy words.They rise.

Enter Hubert.

HUBERTFTLN 205675Lords, I am hot with haste in seeking you.FTLN 2057Arthur doth live; the King hath sent for you.SALISBURYFTLN 2058O, he is bold and blushes not at death!—FTLN 2059Avaunt, thou hateful villain, get thee gone!HUBERTFTLN 2060I am no villain.SALISBURY, drawing his swordFTLN 206180Must I rob the law?BASTARDFTLN 2062Your sword is bright, sir. Put it up again.SALISBURYFTLN 2063Not till I sheathe it in a murderer’s skin.HUBERTFTLN 2064Stand back, Lord Salisbury, stand back, I say.FTLN 2065By heaven, I think my sword’s as sharp as yours.He puts his hand on his sword.

163

King John

ACT 4. SC. 3

FTLN 206685I would not have you, lord, forget yourself,FTLN 2067Nor tempt the danger of my true defense,FTLN 2068Lest I, by marking of your rage, forgetFTLN 2069Your worth, your greatness, and nobility.BIGOTFTLN 2070Out, dunghill! Dar’st thou brave a nobleman?HUBERTFTLN 207190Not for my life. But yet I dare defendFTLN 2072My innocent life against an emperor.SALISBURYFTLN 2073Thou art a murderer.HUBERTFTLN 2074Do not prove me so.FTLN 2075Yet I am none. Whose tongue soe’er speaks false,FTLN 207695Not truly speaks. Who speaks not truly, lies.PEMBROKE, drawing his swordFTLN 2077Cut him to pieces.BASTARD, drawing his swordFTLN 2078Keep the peace, I say.SALISBURYFTLN 2079Stand by, or I shall gall you, Faulconbridge.BASTARDFTLN 2080Thou wert better gall the devil, Salisbury.FTLN 2081100If thou but frown on me, or stir thy foot,FTLN 2082Or teach thy hasty spleen to do me shame,FTLN 2083I’ll strike thee dead. Put up thy sword betime,FTLN 2084Or I’ll so maul you and your toasting-ironFTLN 2085That you shall think the devil is come from hell.BIGOTFTLN 2086105What wilt thou do, renownèd Faulconbridge?FTLN 2087Second a villain and a murderer?HUBERTFTLN 2088Lord Bigot, I am none.BIGOTFTLN 2089Who killed this prince?HUBERTFTLN 2090’Tis not an hour since I left him well.FTLN 2091110I honored him, I loved him, and will weepFTLN 2092My date of life out for his sweet life’s loss.He weeps.

165

King John

ACT 4. SC. 3

SALISBURYFTLN 2093Trust not those cunning waters of his eyes,FTLN 2094For villainy is not without such rheum,FTLN 2095And he, long traded in it, makes it seemFTLN 2096115like rivers of remorse and innocency.FTLN 2097Away with me, all you whose souls abhorFTLN 2098Th’ uncleanly savors of a slaughterhouse,FTLN 2099For I am stifled with this smell of sin.BIGOTFTLN 2100Away, toward Bury, to the Dauphin there.PEMBROKEFTLN 2101120There, tell the King, he may inquire us out.Lords exit.BASTARDFTLN 2102Here’s a good world! Knew you of this fair work?FTLN 2103Beyond the infinite and boundless reachFTLN 2104Of mercy, if thou didst this deed of death,FTLN 2105Art thou damned, Hubert.HUBERTFTLN 2106125Do but hear me, sir.BASTARDFTLN 2107Ha! I’ll tell thee what.FTLN 2108Thou ’rt damned as black—nay, nothing is so black—FTLN 2109Thou art more deep damned than Prince Lucifer.FTLN 2110There is not yet so ugly a fiend of hellFTLN 2111130As thou shalt be, if thou didst kill this child.HUBERTFTLN 2112Upon my soul—BASTARDFTLN 2113If thou didst but consentFTLN 2114To this most cruel act, do but despair,FTLN 2115And if thou want’st a cord, the smallest threadFTLN 2116135That ever spider twisted from her wombFTLN 2117Will serve to strangle thee; a rush will be a beamFTLN 2118To hang thee on. Or wouldst thou drown thyself,FTLN 2119Put but a little water in a spoonFTLN 2120And it shall be as all the ocean,FTLN 2121140Enough to stifle such a villain up.FTLN 2122I do suspect thee very grievously.

167

King John

ACT 4. SC. 3

HUBERTFTLN 2123If I in act, consent, or sin of thoughtFTLN 2124Be guilty of the stealing that sweet breathFTLN 2125Which was embounded in this beauteous clay,FTLN 2126145Let hell want pains enough to torture me.FTLN 2127I left him well.BASTARDFTLN 2128Go, bear him in thine arms.FTLN 2129I am amazed, methinks, and lose my wayFTLN 2130Among the thorns and dangers of this world.Hubert takes up Arthur’s body.FTLN 2131150How easy dost thou take all England up!FTLN 2132From forth this morsel of dead royalty,FTLN 2133The life, the right, and truth of all this realmFTLN 2134Is fled to heaven, and England now is leftFTLN 2135To tug and scamble and to part by th’ teethFTLN 2136155The unowed interest of proud-swelling state.FTLN 2137Now for the bare-picked bone of majestyFTLN 2138Doth doggèd war bristle his angry crestFTLN 2139And snarleth in the gentle eyes of peace.FTLN 2140Now powers from home and discontents at homeFTLN 2141160Meet in one line, and vast confusion waits,FTLN 2142As doth a raven on a sick-fall’n beast,FTLN 2143The imminent decay of wrested pomp.FTLN 2144Now happy he whose cloak and cincture canFTLN 2145Hold out this tempest. Bear away that child,FTLN 2146165And follow me with speed. I’ll to the King.FTLN 2147A thousand businesses are brief in hand,FTLN 2148And heaven itself doth frown upon the land.They exit, with Hubert carrying Arthur’s body.

ACT 5

Scene 1

Enter King John and Pandulph with the crown, andtheir Attendants.

KING JOHNFTLN 2149Thus have I yielded up into your handFTLN 2150The circle of my glory.PANDULPH, handing John the crownFTLN 2151Take againFTLN 2152From this my hand, as holding of the Pope,FTLN 21535Your sovereign greatness and authority.KING JOHNFTLN 2154Now keep your holy word. Go meet the French,FTLN 2155And from his Holiness use all your powerFTLN 2156To stop their marches ’fore we are inflamed.FTLN 2157Our discontented counties do revolt,FTLN 215810Our people quarrel with obedience,FTLN 2159Swearing allegiance and the love of soulFTLN 2160To stranger blood, to foreign royalty.FTLN 2161This inundation of mistempered humorFTLN 2162Rests by you only to be qualified.FTLN 216315Then pause not, for the present time’s so sickFTLN 2164That present med’cine must be ministered,FTLN 2165Or overthrow incurable ensues.PANDULPHFTLN 2166It was my breath that blew this tempest up,FTLN 2167Upon your stubborn usage of the Pope;

171

173

King John

ACT 5. SC. 1

FTLN 216820But since you are a gentle convertite,FTLN 2169My tongue shall hush again this storm of warFTLN 2170And make fair weather in your blust’ring land.FTLN 2171On this Ascension Day, remember well:FTLN 2172Upon your oath of service to the Pope,FTLN 217325Go I to make the French lay down their arms.He exits, with Attendants.KING JOHNFTLN 2174Is this Ascension Day? Did not the prophetFTLN 2175Say that before Ascension Day at noonFTLN 2176My crown I should give off? Even so I have.FTLN 2177I did suppose it should be on constraint,FTLN 217830But, God be thanked, it is but voluntary.

Enter Bastard.

BASTARDFTLN 2179All Kent hath yielded. Nothing there holds outFTLN 2180But Dover Castle. London hath receivedFTLN 2181Like a kind host the Dauphin and his powers.FTLN 2182Your nobles will not hear you, but are goneFTLN 218335To offer service to your enemy;FTLN 2184And wild amazement hurries up and downFTLN 2185The little number of your doubtful friends.KING JOHNFTLN 2186Would not my lords return to me againFTLN 2187After they heard young Arthur was alive?BASTARDFTLN 218840They found him dead and cast into the streets,FTLN 2189An empty casket where the jewel of lifeFTLN 2190By some damned hand was robbed and ta’en away.KING JOHNFTLN 2191That villain Hubert told me he did live!BASTARDFTLN 2192So, on my soul, he did, for aught he knew.FTLN 219345But wherefore do you droop? Why look you sad?FTLN 2194Be great in act, as you have been in thought.

175

King John

ACT 5. SC. 1

FTLN 2195Let not the world see fear and sad distrustFTLN 2196Govern the motion of a kingly eye.FTLN 2197Be stirring as the time; be fire with fire;FTLN 219850Threaten the threat’ner, and outface the browFTLN 2199Of bragging horror. So shall inferior eyes,FTLN 2200That borrow their behaviors from the great,FTLN 2201Grow great by your example and put onFTLN 2202The dauntless spirit of resolution.FTLN 220355Away, and glister like the god of warFTLN 2204When he intendeth to become the field.FTLN 2205Show boldness and aspiring confidence.FTLN 2206What, shall they seek the lion in his denFTLN 2207And fright him there? And make him tremble there?FTLN 220860O, let it not be said! Forage, and runFTLN 2209To meet displeasure farther from the doors,FTLN 2210And grapple with him ere he come so nigh.KING JOHNFTLN 2211The legate of the Pope hath been with me,FTLN 2212And I have made a happy peace with him,FTLN 221365And he hath promised to dismiss the powersFTLN 2214Led by the Dauphin.BASTARDFTLN 2215O inglorious league!FTLN 2216Shall we upon the footing of our landFTLN 2217Send fair-play orders and make compromise,FTLN 221870Insinuation, parley, and base truceFTLN 2219To arms invasive? Shall a beardless boy,FTLN 2220A cockered silken wanton, brave our fieldsFTLN 2221And flesh his spirit in a warlike soil,FTLN 2222Mocking the air with colors idly spread,FTLN 222375And find no check? Let us, my liege, to arms!FTLN 2224Perchance the Cardinal cannot make your peace;FTLN 2225Or if he do, let it at least be saidFTLN 2226They saw we had a purpose of defense.KING JOHNFTLN 2227Have thou the ordering of this present time.

177

King John

ACT 5. SC. 2

BASTARDFTLN 222880Away, then, with good courage!(Aside.) Yet IFTLN 2229knowFTLN 2230Our party may well meet a prouder foe.They exit.

Scene 2

Enter, in arms, Louis the Dauphin, Salisbury, Melun,Pembroke, Bigot, and French and English Soldiers.

DAUPHIN, handing a paper to MelunFTLN 2231My Lord Melun, let this be copied out,FTLN 2232And keep it safe for our remembrance.FTLN 2233Return the precedent to these lords again,FTLN 2234That having our fair order written down,FTLN 22355Both they and we, perusing o’er these notes,FTLN 2236May know wherefore we took the Sacrament,FTLN 2237And keep our faiths firm and inviolable.SALISBURYFTLN 2238Upon our sides it never shall be broken.FTLN 2239And, noble dauphin, albeit we swearFTLN 224010A voluntary zeal and unurged faithFTLN 2241To your proceedings, yet believe me, prince,FTLN 2242I am not glad that such a sore of timeFTLN 2243Should seek a plaster by contemned revoltFTLN 2244And heal the inveterate canker of one woundFTLN 224515By making many. O, it grieves my soulFTLN 2246That I must draw this metal from my sideFTLN 2247To be a widow-maker! O, and thereFTLN 2248Where honorable rescue and defenseFTLN 2249Cries out upon the name of Salisbury!FTLN 225020But such is the infection of the timeFTLN 2251That for the health and physic of our right,FTLN 2252We cannot deal but with the very handFTLN 2253Of stern injustice and confusèd wrong.

179

King John

ACT 5. SC. 2

FTLN 2254And is ’t not pity, O my grievèd friends,FTLN 225525That we, the sons and children of this isle,FTLN 2256Was born to see so sad an hour as this,FTLN 2257Wherein we step after a stranger, marchFTLN 2258Upon her gentle bosom, and fill upFTLN 2259Her enemies’ ranks? I must withdraw and weepFTLN 226030Upon the spot of this enforcèd cause,FTLN 2261To grace the gentry of a land remote,FTLN 2262And follow unacquainted colors here.FTLN 2263What, here? O nation, that thou couldst remove,FTLN 2264That Neptune’s arms, who clippeth thee about,FTLN 226535Would bear thee from the knowledge of thyselfFTLN 2266And grapple thee unto a pagan shore,FTLN 2267Where these two Christian armies might combineFTLN 2268The blood of malice in a vein of league,FTLN 2269And not to spend it so unneighborly.He weeps.DAUPHINFTLN 227040A noble temper dost thou show in this,FTLN 2271And great affections wrestling in thy bosomFTLN 2272Doth make an earthquake of nobility.FTLN 2273O, what a noble combat hast thou foughtFTLN 2274Between compulsion and a brave respect!FTLN 227545Let me wipe off this honorable dewFTLN 2276That silverly doth progress on thy cheeks.FTLN 2277My heart hath melted at a lady’s tears,FTLN 2278Being an ordinary inundation,FTLN 2279But this effusion of such manly drops,FTLN 228050This shower, blown up by tempest of the soul,FTLN 2281Startles mine eyes and makes me more amazedFTLN 2282Than had I seen the vaulty top of heavenFTLN 2283Figured quite o’er with burning meteors.FTLN 2284Lift up thy brow, renownèd Salisbury,FTLN 228555And with a great heart heave away this storm.FTLN 2286Commend these waters to those baby eyesFTLN 2287That never saw the giant world enraged,FTLN 2288Nor met with fortune other than at feasts

FTLN 229565Look where the holy legate comes apaceFTLN 2296To give us warrant from the hand of God,FTLN 2297And on our actions set the name of rightFTLN 2298With holy breath.PANDULPHFTLN 2299Hail, noble prince of France.FTLN 230070The next is this: King John hath reconciledFTLN 2301Himself to Rome; his spirit is come inFTLN 2302That so stood out against the holy Church,FTLN 2303The great metropolis and See of Rome.FTLN 2304Therefore thy threat’ning colors now wind up,FTLN 230575And tame the savage spirit of wild warFTLN 2306That, like a lion fostered up at hand,FTLN 2307It may lie gently at the foot of peaceFTLN 2308And be no further harmful than in show.DAUPHINFTLN 2309Your Grace shall pardon me; I will not back.FTLN 231080I am too high-born to be propertied,FTLN 2311To be a secondary at control,FTLN 2312Or useful servingman and instrumentFTLN 2313To any sovereign state throughout the world.FTLN 2314Your breath first kindled the dead coal of warsFTLN 231585Between this chastised kingdom and myselfFTLN 2316And brought in matter that should feed this fire;FTLN 2317And now ’tis far too huge to be blown outFTLN 2318With that same weak wind which enkindled it.FTLN 2319You taught me how to know the face of right,FTLN 232090Acquainted me with interest to this land,FTLN 2321Yea, thrust this enterprise into my heart.

183

King John

ACT 5. SC. 2

FTLN 2322And come you now to tell me John hath madeFTLN 2323His peace with Rome? What is that peace to me?FTLN 2324I, by the honor of my marriage bed,FTLN 232595After young Arthur claim this land for mine.FTLN 2326And now it is half conquered, must I backFTLN 2327Because that John hath made his peace with Rome?FTLN 2328Am I Rome’s slave? What penny hath Rome borne?FTLN 2329What men provided? What munition sentFTLN 2330100To underprop this action? Is ’t not IFTLN 2331That undergo this charge? Who else but I,FTLN 2332And such as to my claim are liable,FTLN 2333Sweat in this business and maintain this war?FTLN 2334Have I not heard these islanders shout outFTLN 2335105“Vive le Roi” as I have banked their towns?FTLN 2336Have I not here the best cards for the gameFTLN 2337To win this easy match played for a crown?FTLN 2338And shall I now give o’er the yielded set?FTLN 2339No, no, on my soul, it never shall be said.PANDULPHFTLN 2340110You look but on the outside of this work.DAUPHINFTLN 2341Outside or inside, I will not returnFTLN 2342Till my attempt so much be glorifiedFTLN 2343As to my ample hope was promisèdFTLN 2344Before I drew this gallant head of warFTLN 2345115And culled these fiery spirits from the worldFTLN 2346To outlook conquest and to win renownFTLN 2347Even in the jaws of danger and of death.A trumpet sounds.FTLN 2348What lusty trumpet thus doth summon us?

Enter Bastard.

BASTARDFTLN 2349According to the fair play of the world,FTLN 2350120Let me have audience. I am sent to speak,FTLN 2351My holy lord of Milan, from the King.

185

King John

ACT 5. SC. 2

FTLN 2352I come to learn how you have dealt for him,FTLN 2353And, as you answer, I do know the scopeFTLN 2354And warrant limited unto my tongue.PANDULPHFTLN 2355125The Dauphin is too willful-oppositeFTLN 2356And will not temporize with my entreaties.FTLN 2357He flatly says he’ll not lay down his arms.BASTARDFTLN 2358By all the blood that ever fury breathed,FTLN 2359The youth says well! Now hear our English king,FTLN 2360130For thus his royalty doth speak in me:FTLN 2361He is prepared—and reason too he should.FTLN 2362This apish and unmannerly approach,FTLN 2363This harnessed masque and unadvisèd revel,FTLN 2364This unheard sauciness and boyish troops,FTLN 2365135The King doth smile at, and is well preparedFTLN 2366To whip this dwarfish war, these pigmy arms,FTLN 2367From out the circle of his territories.FTLN 2368That hand which had the strength, even at your door,FTLN 2369To cudgel you and make you take the hatch,FTLN 2370140To dive like buckets in concealèd wells,FTLN 2371To crouch in litter of your stable planks,FTLN 2372To lie like pawns locked up in chests and trunks,FTLN 2373To hug with swine, to seek sweet safety outFTLN 2374In vaults and prisons, and to thrill and shakeFTLN 2375145Even at the crying of your nation’s crow,FTLN 2376Thinking this voice an armèd Englishman—FTLN 2377Shall that victorious hand be feebled hereFTLN 2378That in your chambers gave you chastisement?FTLN 2379No! Know the gallant monarch is in arms,FTLN 2380150And like an eagle o’er his aerie towersFTLN 2381To souse annoyance that comes near his nest.—FTLN 2382And you degenerate, you ingrate revolts,FTLN 2383You bloody Neroes, ripping up the wombFTLN 2384Of your dear mother England, blush for shame!FTLN 2385155For your own ladies and pale-visaged maids

187

King John

ACT 5. SC. 2

FTLN 2386Like Amazons come tripping after drums,FTLN 2387Their thimbles into armèd gauntlets change,FTLN 2388Their needles to lances, and their gentle heartsFTLN 2389To fierce and bloody inclination.DAUPHINFTLN 2390160There end thy brave and turn thy face in peace.FTLN 2391We grant thou canst outscold us. Fare thee well.FTLN 2392We hold our time too precious to be spentFTLN 2393With such a brabbler.PANDULPHFTLN 2394Give me leave to speak.BASTARDFTLN 2395165No, I will speak.DAUPHINFTLN 2396We will attend to neither.FTLN 2397Strike up the drums, and let the tongue of warFTLN 2398Plead for our interest and our being here.BASTARDFTLN 2399Indeed, your drums being beaten will cry out,FTLN 2400170And so shall you, being beaten. Do but startFTLN 2401An echo with the clamor of thy drum,FTLN 2402And even at hand a drum is ready bracedFTLN 2403That shall reverberate all as loud as thine.FTLN 2404Sound but another, and another shall,FTLN 2405175As loud as thine, rattle the welkin’s earFTLN 2406And mock the deep-mouthed thunder. For at hand,FTLN 2407Not trusting to this halting legate here,FTLN 2408Whom he hath used rather for sport than need,FTLN 2409Is warlike John, and in his forehead sitsFTLN 2410180A bare-ribbed Death, whose office is this dayFTLN 2411To feast upon whole thousands of the French.DAUPHINFTLN 2412Strike up our drums to find this danger out.BASTARDFTLN 2413And thou shalt find it, dauphin, do not doubt.They exit.

MESSENGERFTLN 24185My lord, your valiant kinsman, Faulconbridge,FTLN 2419Desires your Majesty to leave the fieldFTLN 2420And send him word by me which way you go.KING JOHNFTLN 2421Tell him toward Swinstead, to the abbey there.MESSENGERFTLN 2422Be of good comfort, for the great supplyFTLN 242310That was expected by the Dauphin hereFTLN 2424Are wracked three nights ago on Goodwin Sands.FTLN 2425This news was brought to Richard but even now.FTLN 2426The French fight coldly and retire themselves.KING JOHNFTLN 2427Ay me, this tyrant fever burns me upFTLN 242815And will not let me welcome this good news.FTLN 2429Set on toward Swinstead. To my litter straight.FTLN 2430Weakness possesseth me, and I am faint.They exit.

MELUNFTLN 2437Lead me to the revolts of England here.SALISBURYFTLN 2438When we were happy, we had other names.PEMBROKEFTLN 2439It is the Count Melun.SALISBURYFTLN 244010Wounded to death.MELUNFTLN 2441Fly, noble English; you are bought and sold.FTLN 2442Unthread the rude eye of rebellionFTLN 2443And welcome home again discarded faith.FTLN 2444Seek out King John and fall before his feet,FTLN 244515For if the French be lords of this loud day,FTLN 2446He means to recompense the pains you takeFTLN 2447By cutting off your heads. Thus hath he sworn,FTLN 2448And I with him, and many more with me,FTLN 2449Upon the altar at Saint Edmundsbury,FTLN 245020Even on that altar where we swore to youFTLN 2451Dear amity and everlasting love.SALISBURYFTLN 2452May this be possible? May this be true?MELUNFTLN 2453Have I not hideous death within my view,FTLN 2454Retaining but a quantity of life,FTLN 245525Which bleeds away even as a form of waxFTLN 2456Resolveth from his figure ’gainst the fire?

193

King John

ACT 5. SC. 4

FTLN 2457What in the world should make me now deceive,FTLN 2458Since I must lose the use of all deceit?FTLN 2459Why should I then be false, since it is trueFTLN 246030That I must die here and live hence by truth?FTLN 2461I say again, if Louis do win the day,FTLN 2462He is forsworn if e’er those eyes of yoursFTLN 2463Behold another daybreak in the East.FTLN 2464But even this night, whose black contagious breathFTLN 246535Already smokes about the burning crestFTLN 2466Of the old, feeble, and day-wearied sun,FTLN 2467Even this ill night your breathing shall expire,FTLN 2468Paying the fine of rated treacheryFTLN 2469Even with a treacherous fine of all your lives,FTLN 247040If Louis by your assistance win the day.FTLN 2471Commend me to one Hubert with your king;FTLN 2472The love of him, and this respect besides,FTLN 2473For that my grandsire was an Englishman,FTLN 2474Awakes my conscience to confess all this.FTLN 247545In lieu whereof, I pray you bear me henceFTLN 2476From forth the noise and rumor of the field,FTLN 2477Where I may think the remnant of my thoughtsFTLN 2478In peace, and part this body and my soulFTLN 2479With contemplation and devout desires.SALISBURYFTLN 248050We do believe thee, and beshrew my soulFTLN 2481But I do love the favor and the formFTLN 2482Of this most fair occasion, by the whichFTLN 2483We will untread the steps of damnèd flight,FTLN 2484And like a bated and retirèd flood,FTLN 248555Leaving our rankness and irregular course,FTLN 2486Stoop low within those bounds we have o’erlookedFTLN 2487And calmly run on in obedienceFTLN 2488Even to our ocean, to our great King John.FTLN 2489My arm shall give thee help to bear thee hence,FTLN 249060For I do see the cruel pangs of death

DAUPHINFTLN 2493The sun of heaven, methought, was loath to set,FTLN 2494But stayed and made the western welkin blush,FTLN 2495When English measured backward their ownFTLN 2496groundFTLN 24975In faint retire. O, bravely came we off,FTLN 2498When with a volley of our needless shot,FTLN 2499After such bloody toil, we bid good nightFTLN 2500And wound our tott’ring colors clearly up,FTLN 2501Last in the field and almost lords of it.

Enter a Messenger.

MESSENGERFTLN 250210Where is my prince, the Dauphin?DAUPHINFTLN 2503Here. What news?MESSENGERFTLN 2504The Count Melun is slain. The English lords,FTLN 2505By his persuasion, are again fall’n off,FTLN 2506And your supply, which you have wished so long,FTLN 250715Are cast away and sunk on Goodwin Sands.DAUPHINFTLN 2508Ah, foul, shrewd news. Beshrew thy very heart!FTLN 2509I did not think to be so sad tonightFTLN 2510As this hath made me. Who was he that saidFTLN 2511King John did fly an hour or two beforeFTLN 251220The stumbling night did part our weary powers?MESSENGERFTLN 2513Whoever spoke it, it is true, my lord.

197

King John

ACT 5. SC. 6

DAUPHINFTLN 2514Well, keep good quarter and good care tonight.FTLN 2515The day shall not be up so soon as IFTLN 2516To try the fair adventure of tomorrow.They exit.

Scene 6

Enter Bastard and Hubert, severally.

HUBERTFTLN 2517Who’s there? Speak ho! Speak quickly, or I shoot.BASTARDFTLN 2518A friend. What art thou?HUBERTFTLN 2519Of the part of England.BASTARDFTLN 2520Whither dost thou go?HUBERTFTLN 25215What’s that to thee?BASTARDFTLN 2522Why may not I demand of thine affairsFTLN 2523As well as thou of mine? Hubert, I think?HUBERTFTLN 2524Thou hast a perfect thought.FTLN 2525I will upon all hazards well believeFTLN 252610Thou art my friend, that know’st my tongue so well.FTLN 2527Who art thou?BASTARDFTLN 2528Who thou wilt. An if thou please,FTLN 2529Thou mayst befriend me so much as to thinkFTLN 2530I come one way of the Plantagenets.HUBERTFTLN 253115Unkind remembrance! Thou and endless nightFTLN 2532Have done me shame. Brave soldier, pardon meFTLN 2533That any accent breaking from thy tongueFTLN 2534Should ’scape the true acquaintance of mine ear.BASTARDFTLN 2535Come, come. Sans compliment, what news abroad?

199

King John

ACT 5. SC. 6

HUBERTFTLN 253620Why, here walk I in the black brow of nightFTLN 2537To find you out.BASTARDFTLN 2538Brief, then; and what’s the news?HUBERTFTLN 2539O my sweet sir, news fitting to the night,FTLN 2540Black, fearful, comfortless, and horrible.BASTARDFTLN 254125Show me the very wound of this ill news.FTLN 2542I am no woman; I’ll not swoon at it.HUBERTFTLN 2543The King, I fear, is poisoned by a monk.FTLN 2544I left him almost speechless, and broke outFTLN 2545To acquaint you with this evil, that you mightFTLN 254630The better arm you to the sudden timeFTLN 2547Than if you had at leisure known of this.BASTARDFTLN 2548How did he take it? Who did taste to him?HUBERTFTLN 2549A monk, I tell you, a resolvèd villain,FTLN 2550Whose bowels suddenly burst out. The KingFTLN 255135Yet speaks and peradventure may recover.BASTARDFTLN 2552Who didst thou leave to tend his Majesty?HUBERTFTLN 2553Why, know you not? The lords are all come back,FTLN 2554And brought Prince Henry in their company,FTLN 2555At whose request the King hath pardoned them,FTLN 255640And they are all about his Majesty.BASTARDFTLN 2557Withhold thine indignation, mighty God,FTLN 2558And tempt us not to bear above our power.FTLN 2559I’ll tell thee, Hubert, half my power this night,FTLN 2560Passing these flats, are taken by the tide.FTLN 256145These Lincoln Washes have devourèd them.FTLN 2562Myself, well mounted, hardly have escaped.

201

King John

ACT 5. SC. 7

FTLN 2563Away before. Conduct me to the King.FTLN 2564I doubt he will be dead or ere I come.They exit.

Scene 7

Enter Prince Henry, Salisbury, and Bigot.

PRINCE HENRYFTLN 2565It is too late. The life of all his bloodFTLN 2566Is touched corruptibly, and his pure brain,FTLN 2567Which some suppose the soul’s frail dwelling-house,FTLN 2568Doth, by the idle comments that it makes,FTLN 25695Foretell the ending of mortality.

Enter Pembroke.

PEMBROKEFTLN 2570His Highness yet doth speak, and holds beliefFTLN 2571That being brought into the open airFTLN 2572It would allay the burning qualityFTLN 2573Of that fell poison which assaileth him.PRINCE HENRYFTLN 257410Let him be brought into the orchard here.Bigot exits.FTLN 2575Doth he still rage?PEMBROKEFTLN 2576He is more patientFTLN 2577Than when you left him. Even now he sung.PRINCE HENRYFTLN 2578O vanity of sickness! Fierce extremesFTLN 257915In their continuance will not feel themselves.FTLN 2580Death, having preyed upon the outward parts,FTLN 2581Leaves them invisible, and his siege is nowFTLN 2582Against the mind, the which he pricks and woundsFTLN 2583With many legions of strange fantasies,FTLN 258420Which in their throng and press to that last hold

203

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ACT 5. SC. 7

FTLN 2585Confound themselves. ’Tis strange that Death shouldFTLN 2586sing.FTLN 2587I am the cygnet to this pale faint swan,FTLN 2588Who chants a doleful hymn to his own death,FTLN 258925And from the organ-pipe of frailty singsFTLN 2590His soul and body to their lasting rest.SALISBURYFTLN 2591Be of good comfort, prince, for you are bornFTLN 2592To set a form upon that indigestFTLN 2593Which he hath left so shapeless and so rude.

King John brought in, attended by Bigot.

KING JOHNFTLN 259430Ay, marry, now my soul hath elbow-room.FTLN 2595It would not out at windows nor at doors.FTLN 2596There is so hot a summer in my bosomFTLN 2597That all my bowels crumble up to dust.FTLN 2598I am a scribbled form drawn with a penFTLN 259935Upon a parchment, and against this fireFTLN 2600Do I shrink up.PRINCE HENRYFTLN 2601How fares your Majesty?KING JOHNFTLN 2602Poisoned—ill fare—dead, forsook, cast off,FTLN 2603And none of you will bid the winter comeFTLN 260440To thrust his icy fingers in my maw,FTLN 2605Nor let my kingdom’s rivers take their courseFTLN 2606Through my burned bosom, nor entreat the NorthFTLN 2607To make his bleak winds kiss my parchèd lipsFTLN 2608And comfort me with cold. I do not ask you much.FTLN 260945I beg cold comfort, and you are so straitFTLN 2610And so ingrateful, you deny me that.PRINCE HENRYFTLN 2611O, that there were some virtue in my tearsFTLN 2612That might relieve you!KING JOHNFTLN 2613The salt in them is hot.FTLN 261450Within me is a hell, and there the poison

BASTARDFTLN 2617O, I am scalded with my violent motionFTLN 2618And spleen of speed to see your Majesty.KING JOHNFTLN 261955O cousin, thou art come to set mine eye.FTLN 2620The tackle of my heart is cracked and burnt,FTLN 2621And all the shrouds wherewith my life should sailFTLN 2622Are turnèd to one thread, one little hair.FTLN 2623My heart hath one poor string to stay it by,FTLN 262460Which holds but till thy news be utterèd,FTLN 2625And then all this thou seest is but a clodFTLN 2626And module of confounded royalty.BASTARDFTLN 2627The Dauphin is preparing hitherward,FTLN 2628Where God He knows how we shall answer him.FTLN 262965For in a night the best part of my power,FTLN 2630As I upon advantage did remove,FTLN 2631Were in the Washes all unwarilyFTLN 2632Devourèd by the unexpected flood.King John dies.SALISBURYFTLN 2633You breathe these dead news in as dead an ear.—FTLN 263470My liege! My lord!—But now a king, now thus.PRINCE HENRYFTLN 2635Even so must I run on, and even so stop.FTLN 2636What surety of the world, what hope, what stay,FTLN 2637When this was now a king and now is clay?BASTARDFTLN 2638Art thou gone so? I do but stay behindFTLN 263975To do the office for thee of revenge,FTLN 2640And then my soul shall wait on thee to heaven,FTLN 2641As it on Earth hath been thy servant still.—

207

King John

ACT 5. SC. 7

FTLN 2642Now, now, you stars, that move in your right spheres,FTLN 2643Where be your powers? Show now your mendedFTLN 264480faithsFTLN 2645And instantly return with me againFTLN 2646To push destruction and perpetual shameFTLN 2647Out of the weak door of our fainting land.FTLN 2648Straight let us seek, or straight we shall be sought;FTLN 264985The Dauphin rages at our very heels.SALISBURYFTLN 2650It seems you know not, then, so much as we.FTLN 2651The Cardinal Pandulph is within at rest,FTLN 2652Who half an hour since came from the Dauphin,FTLN 2653And brings from him such offers of our peaceFTLN 265490As we with honor and respect may take,FTLN 2655With purpose presently to leave this war.BASTARDFTLN 2656He will the rather do it when he seesFTLN 2657Ourselves well-sinewèd to our defense.SALISBURYFTLN 2658Nay, ’tis in a manner done already,FTLN 265995For many carriages he hath dispatchedFTLN 2660To the sea-side, and put his cause and quarrelFTLN 2661To the disposing of the Cardinal,FTLN 2662With whom yourself, myself, and other lords,FTLN 2663If you think meet, this afternoon will postFTLN 2664100To consummate this business happily.BASTARDFTLN 2665Let it be so.—And you, my noble prince,FTLN 2666With other princes that may best be spared,FTLN 2667Shall wait upon your father’s funeral.PRINCE HENRYFTLN 2668At Worcester must his body be interred,FTLN 2669105For so he willed it.BASTARDFTLN 2670Thither shall it, then,FTLN 2671And happily may your sweet self put onFTLN 2672The lineal state and glory of the land,

209

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ACT 5. SC. 7

FTLN 2673To whom with all submission on my kneeFTLN 2674110I do bequeath my faithful servicesFTLN 2675And true subjection everlastingly.He kneels.SALISBURYFTLN 2676And the like tender of our love we makeFTLN 2677To rest without a spot forevermore.Salisbury, Pembroke, and Bigot kneel.PRINCE HENRYFTLN 2678I have a kind soul that would give you thanksFTLN 2679115And knows not how to do it but with tears.They rise.BASTARDFTLN 2680O, let us pay the time but needful woe,FTLN 2681Since it hath been beforehand with our griefs.FTLN 2682This England never did nor never shallFTLN 2683Lie at the proud foot of a conquerorFTLN 2684120But when it first did help to wound itself.FTLN 2685Now these her princes are come home again,FTLN 2686Come the three corners of the world in armsFTLN 2687And we shall shock them. Naught shall make us rue,FTLN 2688If England to itself do rest but true.They exit, bearing the body of King John.